Locate common answers to questions about contacting AEP Ohio during an outage.
Should I call AEP Ohio?
It is impossible to accurately predict restorations of specific circuits serving particular residences because of the many challenges that restoration workers face. AEP Ohio provides updates approximately every four hours to the local news media so that they can report the status of the overall restoration effort. This information is included on the home page of this site during major storms.
AEP Ohio works hard to update the local news media on the overall progress of restoration efforts affecting the area. AEP Ohio issues informational releases to the news media regarding restoration progress at least three times a day during major power outages. Listening to the radio, or checking this web site via battery-operated web devices are the best ways for you to be informed of storm restoration progress. Be sure to have an emergency kit, equipped with a battery-operated radio and fresh batteries, so you're ready in case of a major power outage. Read more information about emergency kits.
Learn the difference between an outage problem related to the AEP Ohio system or within your home.
Can I get reimbursement for spoiled food or other outage-related damages?
AEP Ohio is not generally responsible for damages caused by natural occurrences like storms or normal equipment failures. However, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover these losses. We recommend checking with your insurance agent.
You could have tripped a circuit breaker, or there could be a blown fuse or a broken connector or wire at one of the service leads to your house. Sometimes damage to these leads leaves only the 120-volt outlets (or some of them) working. In this case, larger appliances that need 240-volt service - such as water heaters, air conditioners and ovens - may be inoperable until repairs are made. It is safe to use the outlets you have available, while you check with an electrician. However, if part of your lights are extremely bright or extremely dim, you should avoid using outlets connected to these circuits to avoid potential damage to equipment. If it is a problem with a service lead to your home, AEP Ohio crews will repair the wires when they arrive to restore service.
Why would AEP Ohio trucks pass by my house without repairing anything?
If you have questions, please contact our Customer Operations Center at 1-800-672-2231.
AEP Ohio operations personnel continually monitor national and local weather reports so they are prepared for impending storms. This allows AEP Ohio to work on staffing for restoration efforts even before the storm hits.
View this video for more details on how AEP Ohio responds to storms and outages.
AEP Ohio works hard to update the local news media on the overall progress of restoration efforts affecting the area. AEP Ohio issues informational releases to the news media regarding restoration progress at least three times a day during major power outages. Listening to the radio, or checking this web site via battery-operated web devices are the best ways for you to be informed of storm restoration progress. Be sure to have an emergency kit, equipped with a battery-operated radio and fresh batteries, so you're ready in case of a major power outage.
How does AEP Ohio decide which customers to restore first?
AEP Ohio works to restore power using the swiftest and most humane schedule possible. As a result, efforts are staged so that power will initially be restored to hospitals, emergency response agencies, essential AEP Ohio facilities, other public utilities and public shelters. Residential customers are given priority over business and industrial customers and efforts are first targeted toward larger population centers. Then, once these larger areas are mostly restored, most work crews move on to other large affected areas, while some personnel remain behind to complete the critical parts of the restoration.
How does AEP Ohio mobilize crews during major outages?
AEP Ohio calls in workers from portions of American Electric Power's 11-state energy delivery territory to assist local employees. AEP Ohio also enlists the help of personnel from other electric companies through mutual assistance agreements as well as contract workers.
How does AEP Ohio handle tree damage?
AEP Ohio contractors conduct tree trimming throughout the year to keep power lines free of limbs and debris. Following a storm, these contractors must remove fallen trees and limbs from electrical equipment that are preventing service restoration. This forestry work is a major component of the restoration effort. However, AEP Ohio contractors do not remove storm debris and move the debris only if this is necessary to facilitate the restoration effort.