Is my internet out? How to check the status of your utilities during a service outage

Abigail Celaya, Arizona Republic
Updated ·4 min read

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It can be frustrating when you your air conditioning won't work, especially in the summer heat.

The frequency of both heat waves and major electrical grid failures has increased dramatically in recent years. Since 2015, when the U.S. Energy Information Administration started reporting monthly on blackouts, the number of such events affecting more than 50,000 people and lasting longer than one hour has doubled, from around 45 in 2015 to 90 in 2021.

Here's how to check if utilities are out in your area and how to report an outage.

How do I report an electric service outage?

To report an electric service outage, you can call your local power company. Some providers may allow you to report a problem via an online portal.

In Depth: Phoenix is not prepared for a simultaneous heat wave and blackout, new research shows

Where do I find electric service outage maps?

What do I during a power outage?

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, this is what you should do during a power outage.

  • Only use flashlights. Candles are a fire hazard.

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check carefully for any signs of spoilage.

  • Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics that were in use when the power went out. Power may return with momentary "surges” or “spikes” that can damage electronics.

  • Do not run a generator inside the home or garage.

  • Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

  • Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.

  • Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.

  • If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to run directly to the outlets on the generator.

  • Listen to local radio for updated information.

  • Leave on one light so that you'll know when your power returns.

  • Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

  • Check on your neighbors.

  • Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.

What do I do after a power outage?

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, this is what you should do after a power outage.

  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

  • Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety.

  • If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.

  • If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer.

  • If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

Have a question? Our reporters are here to help.

How do I check if my internet is out?

Here's how to check if your internet service provider is having an outage.

Cox: Sign into your Cox account to view outages in your area. By downloading the Cox app, you can access Smart Help, which provides guidance to customers with a step-by-step guide. You can also talk to an agent for further assistance. If the outage isn't reported, you may report it to customer service.

T-Mobile- Check whether you are in a covered area. Follow the instructions on the troubleshooting page of the website. If you still do not have service or would like to report an outage, then call the provider for additional steps at 1-855-545-4614.

CenturyLink- You may search for power outages near your address on the CenturyLink website. Every time a user signs into the mobile app the app will check for outages in their area. Troubleshooter, an automated tool, will let the user know when CenturyLink expects to have the problem fixed.

What do I do if my water isn't working?

If your water is out, contact your local municipality.

Republic reporter Joan Meiners contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When will the power come back? What to do if utilities aren't working