The Grid Guide: Inside an Outage

There’s never an ideal moment for a power outage. One moment, everything is operating as usual; the next, you’re left in the dark, uncertain of when things will return to normal. For most members, outages are rare and don’t last long. But when major storms impact our area, extended outages are sometimes unavoidable. While frustration and anxiety is understandable, have you ever considered what happens behind the scenes during the restoration process?

At Hendricks Power Cooperative (HPC), we continually monitor weather patterns and have plans in place to prepare for potential disruptions. When severe weather strikes that result in extensive damage and widespread outages, our linemen are ready to respond, working tirelessly around the clock, regardless of hazardous conditions.

What many may not realize is that when widespread damage occurs, it requires a coordinated effort from every team member at the cooperative. Our dispatchers work from our operations center, using advanced technology to identify affected areas, prioritize repairs, and dispatch line workers to critical locations. They manage the restoration process to ensure crews work efficiently and safely. This typically begins with repairs to power lines and equipment that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. For significant outages, additional resources, including support from other Indiana cooperatives or contracted personnel, are arranged to assist

Our communications team tracks weather developments and outage volumes while keeping our members informed about safety measures and providing regular updates on the restoration progress. They capture images of the damage and the line crew in action to provide a clear view of their dedication, hard work and efforts. It is important for members to know that outages cannot be reported through social media. Outages need to be reported by calling the office (317)745-5473 or through SmartHub. This ensures the outage flows through our outage management system and allows members to check the status.

The engineering department may deploy “bird dogs”—employees familiar with the distribution system and equipment, to assess specific outages and relay crucial information back to dispatchers to aid in the restoration process. Simultaneously, the operations team processes work orders, enabling stockmen to gather necessary tools and materials for the line crews and replenish supplies to ensure prompt availability.

Member services representatives handle a steady influx of phone calls, documenting outages, providing the best available information about the outage causes, estimated restoration times, and answering any additional questions from members.

Before dawn, shifts rotate to give crews the necessary rest while ensuring the incoming team is prepared to continue the work. Critical status updates and restoration plans are shared during shift handovers.  

This cycle continues until all members are restored, sometimes lasting for several days in rare instances. Once regular service resumes, the HPC team turns its attention to the next day, preparing for whatever challenges lie ahead.