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What Do I Do If I Lose Power?

Report the outage with our online service or call us on our automated phone system: 1-800-527-2714 and 845-452-2700. Have your account information ready. We rely on information from customers to determine the extent of the outage, and to help us prioritize our restoration efforts and deploy our crews.

The following information would be helpful if you can get it safely: 

  • Are your neighbors also without power? 
  • Are power lines down between your house and the pole, or down between poles on your street? 
  • Do you see broken poles? 
  • Sparks from downed wires? 
  • Trees or limbs in contact with wires? 

Restoration information can automatically be accessed through the phone numbers above. Follow the simple prompts to hear a recorded message as to the time when our crews estimate service will be restored. If you do not have a touch-tone phone, a customer service representative can provide the information.

When calling us, please be patient if you cannot get through on your first try. We will answer your call as quickly as possible. Also, be aware that service restoration time estimates may not be available immediately following an outage, until our crews have assessed the damage and developed repair priorities. If restoration information is not available, you will be advised to call back later.

  • Leave one light on, so that you’ll know when service is restored, but turn off other appliances that you were using when the electricity went off.

  • If your service remains off after electricity has been restored to your neighborhood, check your circuit breakers or fuses.

“CHECK” a Local Radio Station for Updates
When outages are severe enough to affect large numbers of customers for extended periods of time (generally, more than a couple of days), we activate the Central Hudson Emergency Communication networK — or “C.H.E.C.K.”  It’s the best source for updated announcements about our restoration efforts and other information that is pertinent to listeners in the communities where the outages exist. Area radio stations who have volunteered to participate include:

AM Stations:  
WGHQ-920; WHUC-1230; WBNR-1260;  WALL-1340; WELV-1370; WEOK-1390; WLNA-1420;  WKIP-1450;  WKNY-1490

FM Stations: WRNQ-92.1; WRRB-92.7; WBPM-92.9; WBWZ-93.3; WZCR-93.5; WKXP-94.3; WPKF-96.1; WRRV-96.9; WZAD-97.3; WCZX-97.7; WKZE-98.1; WCTW-98.5; WFKP-99.3; WDST-100.1; WHUD-100.7; WPDH-101.5;  WSPK-104.7; WPDA-106.1; WRWD-107.3

Pull Some Plugs
To reduce the risk of damage to major appliances that would go back on when power is restored, turn off or unplug them. Just leave a light or two on in your home. (And it’s always helpful to our repair crews if you leave an outside light on after dark, so they’ll know for sure that the power is restored at your place.)

Blinking Digital Equipment? 
When a branch brushes against or falls through our electric lines, electricity may be shut off for a brief moment to prevent a longer power outage.  In such cases, our system is designed to clear and reset itself, once the branch or other object is removed.  Only your most sensitive appliances, such as digital clocks, will sense these brief interruptions.

A Voltage Surge? 
Lightning can cause the most serious type of voltage fluctuation, one which can damage electrical appliances or computers. The best way to prevent this is to install surge arrestors in your panel (circuit breaker or fuse) box.  Surge suppressors – which plug into a wall outlet – should be installed to protect sensitive equipment.  If you don’t have surge suppressors, we recommend you unplug sensitive appliances and computers during lightning storms.

Low Voltage? 
If your lights dim, your television picture shrinks, or your appliances are humming but not running, you may be experiencing low voltage. Unplug the equipment, turn off the circuit breaker, or remove the fuse for all appliances that use motors, and call us to report the problem.  This is the best way to protect your appliances and equipment from damage.

Communications Plan 
When an emergency does occur, Central Hudson works with emergency officials and municipal leaders to coordinate restoration efforts. We will also contact the media to keep the public informed of our progress.