Outages & Safety
Report outages, track restoration, and stay safe around electricity and water service.
POWER OUT?
Report an Outage.
Electric Outage Line, 24/7
How We Restore Power
Outage Restoration Process
When the power goes out, BPU crews work through a carefully prioritized restoration process to bring service back safely to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible.
SAFETY FIRST
Before any repairs, we clear dangerous hazards like downed lines and damaged equipment that block roads or pose a risk to the public and our crews.
Essential Services and Critical Needs
Next, we restore critical places that keep our community safe: like hospitals, emergency services, and public infrastructure.
Restore the Most People First
After addressing essential services and critical needs for customers, we focus on repairs that restore power to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible. Often, this means repairing main lines and major circuits first before moving into neighborhoods.
Individual Restoration
Finally, we repair individual service lines to homes and businesses.
Electric Outage Map
Our outage map provides the latest updates on power outages in your area. Or call 913-573-9522 to report an outage.
Life Support Program
Do you or someone in your home depend on an in-home oxygen concentrator or other life-saving medical device? Find out how to be listed as a life support account.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
MEDICAL AND HEALTH NEEDS
If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment or have a health need that requires electricity, do not wait for power to be restored. Follow your emergency plan and relocate to a safe location with reliable power. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency or cannot safely relocate.
DOWNED POWER LINES
Always assume a downed power line is energized. Stay away from the line at least 35 feet (length of a school bus) and anything it may be touching. Keep children and pets away, and report it to 9-1-1 and the BPU Outage Number at 913-573-9952.
RESTORATION INFORMATION
What happened to BPU’s electric system?
The August 18 storm caused catastrophic damage throughout BPU’s service area. Power lines fell, utility poles were broken or damaged, trees and large limbs fell, and electrical equipment was damaged.
In some areas, crews must rebuild parts of the electric system before they can safely restore power.
Where does restoration stand now?
As of the morning of August 21, approximately 5,500 customers remain without power.
As larger outages are restored, the remaining outages become smaller and often more complex. Crews will continue working until they restore every customer who can safely receive power.
When will my power be restored?
BPU cannot provide an exact restoration time for every address. Crews often discover additional damage when they reach an area, and some repairs must be completed before others can begin.
Our crews are moving as quickly and as safely as possible and will continue working until restoration is complete.
Why is restoration taking so long?
This storm caused extensive physical damage. Crews are not simply reconnecting lines. In many areas, they must remove hazards, replace poles, restring lines, replace transformers, and rebuild damaged equipment.
A repair that restores only a few homes may require as much work as a repair that restored hundreds of customers earlier in the response.
What should I do if I want to wait for power to be restored?
If your home is becoming dangerously hot, do not wait for power to be restored. Move to an air-conditioned location, such as a family member’s or friend’s home, a cooling center, or another safe location with reliable power.
If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment or medication that requires refrigeration, follow your emergency plan and relocate to a location that can safely meet your needs. Call 911 in a medical emergency.
Use generators only outside and away from doors, windows and vents. Never use a grill, generator or other fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage or enclosed space. Community cooling, charging and assistance locations are available at:
https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/Storm-Recovery-Update-Aug.2026
Why do my neighbors have power when I do not?
Nearby homes may be served by different lines, transformers, or sections of the electric system.
If BPU’s outage system shows your address as restored but you still don’t have power, report your outage again to 913-573-9522
I haven’t seen a crew in my neighborhood. Is anyone working on my outage?
The damage affecting your home may be blocks or miles away. Crews may need to repair other equipment before electricity can safely reach your neighborhood.
Utility trucks may also be assessing damage, delivering equipment, or traveling to another repair location. Not seeing a crew in front of your home does not mean your outage has been forgotten.
Who is helping BPU restore power?
BPU employees are working alongside mutual aid crews from the following organizations:
- City of Augusta Utilities
- City of Ottawa Utilities
- City of Pratt Utilities
- City of Winfield Utilities
- City of Coffeyville Utilities
- McPherson Board of Public Utilities
- We also have an estimated 30 crews from Capital Electric
These trained crews are assigned throughout the service area based on damage, safety needs, and restoration priorities.
OUTAGES AND DAMAGES
How do I report or check my outage?
Use BPU’s outage map at outage.bpu.com to check an outage or call 913-573-9952 to report your outage.
Do not report outages through BPU’s social media. Comments and direct messages are not official outage reports.
BPU cannot provide an exact restoration time for every address. Crews often discover additional damage when they reach an area, and some repairs must be completed before others can begin.
I reported my outage but haven’t seen anyone make repairs; should I report my outage again?
You do not need to report an active outage repeatedly.
Report an outage again if BPU shows your service as restored, but you still do not have power, or if your power was restored and then went out again.
My power returned and went out again. What should I do?
Report the new outage to BPU. Do not assume we already know your service has been interrupted again.
Power may occasionally be interrupted during restoration as crews discover additional damage, complete repairs, or safely reconnect other parts of the system.
What if the damage is to electrical equipment attached to my home?
Property owners are responsible for some electrical equipment attached to a home or building, including the service mast, weatherhead, and meter base.
A qualified electrician may need to repair damaged customer-owned equipment before BPU can safely reconnect service. See our “after restoration” information for step-by-step guidance.
If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager about visible damage to the building’s electrical equipment.
SAFETY INFORMATION
What should I do if I rely on medical equipment or have a health need?
Do not wait for power restoration or rely on an estimated restoration time.
Follow your emergency plan and relocate to a safe location with reliable power. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Always assume a downed line is energized. Stay away from the line and anything it may be touching, including trees, fences, vehicles, and standing water.
Keep children and pets away. Never touch, move, or drive over a downed line. Report it by calling 911 and the outage line at 913-573-9522.
Can I remove a tree or limb near a power line or a service line to my home?
No. Never remove a tree or limb that is touching, hanging from, or near a power line. The tree may be energized and can cause serious injury or death.
BPU must first assess the lines before removing limbs.
How do I safely use a generator?
Operate generators outside and away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed, or garage, even with the garage door open.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. Improper connections can send electricity back onto power lines and seriously injure or kill utility workers and others.
What should I do about partial power, bright or dim lights, sparks or a burning smell?
If you see sparks, smell burning, or believe there is an immediate electrical hazard, move to a safe location and call 911.
If you experience partial power or lights fluctuating, unplug sensitive electronics and contact BPU through 913-573-9522.
CLEANUP, ASSISTANCE AND INSURANCE
Who is responsible for trees, limbs and storm debris?
BPU may cut trees or limbs when necessary to safely access electrical equipment and restore power.
BPU does not return to remove or haul away the branches or debris.
Property owners are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of storm debris on their property once the area has been made electrically safe.
Visit the Unified Government’s storm debris and yard waste information page for current drop-off locations, hours, and disposal instructions.
Do not move or clean up debris that touches or is near a power line or other damaged electrical equipment. Wait until the area is electrically safe.
What should I do if the electrical equipment attached to my home was damaged?
Storm damage to the meter or mast attached to your home may prevent BPU from safely restoring your power. View the equipment from a safe distance, and use the images below to determine whether it appears connected and undamaged.
Do not touch, move, or attempt to repair damaged electrical equipment. If you see downed wires or believe the equipment may be energized, stay away and report the hazard immediately.
If repairs are needed, follow these steps:
- Identify the damage.
Review the images below to identify your meter and mast and see what the equipment should look like in good condition.
BPU will provide and deliver a replacement meter at no cost when a storm damages a customer’s meter. A licensed electrician must install the replacement meter and complete any necessary repairs.
Schedule delivery of the replacement meter if a licensed electrician has not already done so.
Call the BPU Light/Meter Team at 913-573-9441 and press 3 to schedule delivery of the replacement meter.
If the Light/Meter Team does not answer, leave a voicemail with your name, service address, telephone number, and a brief description of the damage or completed repairs. A team member will return your call.
Hire a licensed electrician.
A licensed electrician must install the replacement meter and repair any mast damage. BPU does not perform meter or mast repairs or installations.
Request a BPU inspection.
After all repairs and installations are complete, call the BPU Light/Meter Team at 913-573-9441 and press 5 to request an inspection.
BPU must inspect and approve the completed work before reconnecting your service.
BPU reconnects your service.
If the repairs pass inspection, the Light/Meter Team will notify BPU line crews that your home can be safely reconnected to the electric system. A crew will be dispatched to reenergize power to your home.
Where can I find financial assistance or documentation for an insurance claim?
Community resources are available at https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/Storm-Recovery-Update-Aug.2026
If you need help paying your upcoming electric and water charges from BPU, there are resources to help you manage your bill when circumstances like these occur. For customized payment plans, contact the BPU Customer Care team at 913-573-9190; select your language option and then select “7” for payment arrangements.
Customers who need outage documentation for an insurance claim can complete BPU’s Proof of Outage Request Form by clicking here.
Document spoiled food or property damage and contact your insurance provider regarding coverage.
BPU can verify available outage information but does not determine whether a loss is covered.
Storm Recovery & Community Resources
If you or your family have been impacted by the recent storm or extended power outages, several organizations throughout Wyandotte County and the Kansas City area are providing assistance. Resources include cooling centers, shelter, food, medical support and other services.
Find Help & Community Resources
United Way 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local resources and assistance, including food, shelter, cooling centers and other services.
Additional United Way resources can be searched here:
https://search.unitedwaygkc.org/
After the Storm KCK
After the Storm KCK has compiled community resources and information for residents affected by the storm.
Unified Government Storm Recovery Information
The Unified Government has additional storm recovery information and community resources available online:
https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/Storm-Recovery-Update-Aug.2026
Cooling Centers
Daytime Cooling Centers
Find current daytime cooling center locations using the Unified Government’s online map:
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is open from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. as a cooling center and is providing water and snacks for those without power.
6723 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102
Shelter
A shelter is available for residents affected by the storm in the Greater Kansas City area. No ID is required.
Earl Watson Community Center
1120 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102
For shelter information or questions, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Food Assistance
Find nearby food pantries and other food resources:
https://www.findhelp.org/food/food-pantry–kansas-city-ks
Senior Meal Service
Wyandotte County residents age 60 and older who are without power and need a hot meal can connect with the Area Agency on Aging’s congregate meal program.
Seniors should contact Kamra Cole before 12:00 noon each day for meal information and availability.
Northeast KCK Community Support
The Village Initiative is serving as a community resiliency hub for Northeast KCK residents impacted by the storm. A generator and food are available for residents who need support.
The Village Initiative
3004 N. 27th St., Kansas City, KS 66104
Spanish-Language Assistance
El Centro is collecting information from residents who need storm-related assistance and can help connect families with resources, particularly Spanish-speaking families.
Medical Needs
If you rely on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment and are without power, please go somewhere your medical needs can be safely supported.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Mobile Health Response
Care Beyond the Boulevard can assist residents affected by the storm with medical needs, medication refrigeration and home visits.
Call 913-291-2273 for assistance. This service is not a replacement for emergency care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Pet Assistance
If the outage or storm has made it difficult to safely care for your pets, local animal organizations may have emergency resources available.
Contact KC Pet Project, KCK Animal Services or Friends of KCK Animal Services to ask what assistance is currently available. Call ahead before relying on boarding or other services, as availability may change.
Electric Safety Tips
Electricity is a powerful and essential part of daily life, but it can also pose serious risks if not handled safely. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Take precautions around power lines and outdoor electrical equipment:
- Never personally trim or remove trees near power lines. Hire a trained, qualified crew.
- Avoid planting trees near overhead power lines to prevent future risks. Never use electrical tools if your hands or feet are wet or if you are standing on damp ground.
- Always check for clearance from overhead lines before installing or removing antennas, using ladders, or cleaning pools with skimming rods, as there is a risk of fatal injury. Disregarding electrical power line safety also violates Kansas law. Violators can be punished by law with fines up to $1,000 per day per violation.
- For temporary overhead power line clearance, contact BPU at 913-573-9531.
- Teach children to avoid climbing trees or flying kites near power lines.
Emergency Situations Involving Power Lines
Know how to respond safely in case of an accident or fallen line:
- If a power line falls on your car, stay inside and wait for help. If you must exit, jump away from the vehicle as far as you can without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
- Treat any broken or fallen power line as live, and call 913-573-9522 immediately.
- Never try to retrieve objects like kites, metallic balloons, or model airplanes from power lines. Call 913-573-9522.
Underground Utility Safety
Protect underground utility lines before starting digging projects:
- Call 1-800-DIG-SAFE (1-800-344-7233) to locate underground lines before planting trees, installing sprinklers, or beginning any excavation.
Need Assistance?
Contact Customer Service. We’re here to help.