Rotating Outages – Visit SCE’s Rotating Outages Information for a list of communities and neighborhoods that may be affected by rotating power outages should it become necessary. Your Rotating Outage Group is located on your Edison bill. Summary Bill customers will find this information in the “Details” portion of their bill.

For current outages, planned outages, or to report an outage, visit SCE's website.

Rotating Outages Frequently Asked Questions – Visit SCE’s website at http://www.sce.com/Safety/RotatingOutages/FAQ/ for more information.

Advance Notice of Rotating Power Outages. Persons with health conditions placing them at increased health risk when outdoor temperatures reach extreme levels can now receive advanced notification when rotating power outages are scheduled to impact their neighborhood. Click on Application for Advance Notice of Rotating Power Outages for more information.

Cal-ISO (California Independent System Operator), the nonprofit agency that controls 75 percent of the State's transmission grid and secures power supplies for most of the State's consumers continually monitors the State electric system.  When a significant imbalance between the supply and depmand for electricity occurs, California ISO may issue an Alert, a Warning or a State 1,2, or 3 Emergency. 

Alert. Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves in the day-ahead market are forecasted at less than 7%, but plans to serve all customers unless loads are significantly higher or resources are lost.Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves in the day-ahead market are forecasted at less than 7%, but plans to serve all customers unless loads are significantly higher or resources are lost.

Warning. Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves in the hour-ahead market are forecasted at less than 7%, but plans to serve all customers unless loads are significantly higher or resources are lost.

Emergency Stage 1. Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves are less than 7% in real time or are unavoidable. Consumers are urged to reduce their use of electricity voluntarily to avoid more severe conditions.

Emergency Stage 2. Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves are less than 5 % in real time or are unavoidable. Cal-ISO can order SCE to curtail interruptible load ("voluntary interruptions"). If ordered to curtail interruptible load, SCE will implement CPUC-approved programs and tariffs in which customers have voluntarily agreed to have their service interrupted during such emergencies. These voluntary interruptions are intended to prevent more severe conditions.

Emergency Stage 3. Cal-ISO informs SCE that operating reserves are less than 1.5% in real time or are unavoidable. Cal-ISO can order SCE to curtail firm load ("involuntary interruptions"). If ordered to curtail firm load, SCE will implement CPUC-approved rotating outage plans in which controlled service interruptions (of about one hour) are rotated among groups of customers. These outages are intended to prevent more severe imbalance conditions, such as a total system collapse, and will be implemented until the Cal-ISO notifies SCE that the emergency has passed.

Power Outages and Emergency Planning

Storms earthquakes, vehicle accidents, and other events can cause occasional power outages. Click here for Southern California Edison (SCE) information on what to do in the event of a power outage.

Power is delivered over a series of complex high-powered grids which are interconnected. Problems in any part of the grid can result in widespread outages.

Heat
If heat is cut off, your fireplace or wood stove may act as an alternate heat source. Since heat circulation without fans is difficult, restrict heating to one or two rooms and close the doors to the other rooms. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.

Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and has been inspected for proper operation. If necessary, have it cleaned.

Try not to enter or exit the house from the room that you heat. Make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide and other gases or smoke.

Should you buy a generator?
If your situation demands an uninterrupted supply of power, such as for medical devices, you might consider purchasing a generator.

Generators require fuel which is difficult and dangerous to store. Storing large quantities of fuel could violate local safety ordinances. The Uniform Fire Code limits storage of gasoline to five gallons in an approved container.

Generators are large and noisy, and they smell.

Plan to run extension cords (UL approved) to the devices you want to power.

You must match generator capacity to demand. Surge (startup) power for devices with motors (refrigerators, furnace blowers, and vacuum cleaners) must be considered.

Be knowledgeable about all operation and maintenance procedures for the generator.

Make sure your generator installation meets local codes and approvals.

Light
Light sources include candles in containers, hurricane lamps, flashlights, battery-powered or gas camping lights, fireplaces, wood stoves, and light-sticks.

DO NOT use candles, matches, or other open flames either during or after an earthquake.

Be sure to have an adequate supply of fuel or batteries, and a fire extinguisher. Store where easily accessible, safe, and away from children and pets.

Consider purchasing a solar-powered battery charger and rechargeable batteries. Battery-powered lighting is by far the safest.