Adams Rural Electric Power Outage Map: Usage Report, Sign Up For Alerts, and More

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, which goes by the name AREC, is the not-for-profit utility company that has been delivering power to the rural areas since 1940. It was created in order to serve farms, ranches, and distant homes that tended to be overlooked by investor-owned utilities, and that goal still persists today.

If you frequently experience outages, you can find out how to get real-time information with the Adams Rural Electric Power Outage Map. Let's find out how you can access the map, read it, and sign up for real-time outage alerts. We'll also share how you can contact and report a blackout to AREC and prepare yourself with backup power when living in rural areas.

Which Areas Does Adams Electric Cooperative Serve?

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative (AREC) serves multiple counties in Ohio. Adams County is its primary location. It also serves a section of Brown, Highland, Pike, and Scioto counties. The cooperative mainly targets the rural areas with low population density, only six customers per one mile of power line, unlike the city utilities, which serve hundreds. It was founded by farmers and still supports farming communities today.

AREC also provides power to rural residential zones, including hobby farms and homes on large lots, often in areas without public sewers or quick emergency services. To serve these spread-out areas, the cooperative maintains over 1,300 miles of power lines for about 7,500 members. As a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, AREC is governed by a board elected by its members and returns any profits to them through capital credits.

How to Access the Rural-Specific Outage Map?

Here's how to access the AREC Outage Map for real-time power outage updates in your area.

Step 1: Visit “Adams Rural Electric Cooperative.” Then, head to the “Outage Viewer” tab in the above menu. This will redirect you to the outage map. You won't have to sign in to your account to view the map. You can also view the map with the SmartHub app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your account. Then, tap “More” and choose an option that's for viewing the outage map.

Step 2: The AREC outage map displays color-coded legends indicating different outage scenarios and info. Here's what each icon means:

1. Verified: There's a power outage, and it has been confirmed by the electric company or the workers.

2. Predicted: The system believes there could be an outage based on meter or sensor-based data. However, it is not established yet.

3. Restored: The electricity breakdown cases have been fixed in that region.

4. Meters Out: Shows how many homes or businesses are without power. Example: “500 meters out” = 500 places have no electricity.

5. Selected Meters: Lets you click on a specific area or home to see more details about the outage.

Step 3: On the left side, you can examine the “Outage” tab. It will show you the number of meters affected by the latest power cuts on a particular date and time in graph form. You can look for the number of meters that are out now, affected, and which have been restored with power.

Step 4: Head to the “Summary” tab. It displays the number of meters currently without power, affected, or restored with power.

Step 5: Press the “Map” icon. Use the map icon to toggle radar and layer views. If you want to check the weather in a particular AREC service area, press the “Weather” icon in the left bar, next to the “Map” icon.

How to Receive Notifications and Report Outages to AREC?

You can contact AREC or report an outage through the company's website, hotline, or SmartHub app. Here's how:

1. Website:

• Visit “Adams Rural Electric Cooperative.” Then, head to the “Contact Us” tab in the above menu. This will redirect you to the contact us form.

• Fill out your contact details and write the issue. Then, send the message.

2. Phone Call: You can call AREC at 937-544-2305 from Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or at the toll-free number 1-800-283-1846.

3. SmartHub App: Open the SmartHub app, tap ‘More,' and select the option to report an outage. You can also sign up for alerts through the SmartHub app. Open the app. Then, choose “Notifications.” Pick an option like email, text, or voice notes to receive the alert.

Backup Power Solutions for Rural Customers

If you suffer from AREC blackouts, especially during bad weather or when equipment breaks, being prepared with backup power and emergency supplies is a must. They can help keep you safe and comfortable. Here's a simple guide to help you stay ready:

1. Building a Family Emergency Kit

Set aside a family emergency kit if you're prone to power cuts due to bad weather. You might also have to take shelter. So, prepare at least one gallon of water per person per 24 hours (at least three days). In addition, toss non-perishable food such as canned food, cereals, and protein bars into the kit. To also maintain your hygiene, pack such items as wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. Add blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes to the kit in case it is cold.

Also, bring useful items such as a multi-tool kit, duct tape, and a manual can opener. Have such documents (identification and insurance details) printed and ready, and some cash in case ATMs are not functioning. In case you have pets, place their food in the kit along with a leash and a carrier. Moreover, keep a first aid kit consisting of bandages and antiseptics. As well, take into account special requirements such as infant supplies for babies, additional meds, or assistive devices in case of the handicapped or elderly.

2. Battery-Powered Lighting and Communications Equipment

To have lights on in case of a power cut, have on hand LED flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, and spare batteries. Light that uses solar energy is also very good since it can be charged during the day. To communicate, own a hand-cranked radio, or a solar radio, and be updated on the weather, especially through the NOAA or your local channels. In addition, charge up portable phone power banks and have a car charger available as a backup. Also, two-way radios (such as walkie-talkies) can aid if cell service is lost.

3. Portable Power Stations (Solar/Battery)

Having a backup power source for necessities like phones, laptops, radios, or medical devices is essential during outages. Those more suitable for longer power outages lasting several days or more include gas, diesel, or propane generators. They're able to power such things as refrigerators, well pumps, and heating or cooling systems. Nevertheless, they require fuel, and they cannot be operated inside because they emit carbon monoxide. Besides, if fuel is deficient in the market, you'll either have trouble obtaining it or it will be too expensive to purchase.

This is why portable power stations are preferable, as they are silent, with zero emissions, and can be put inside the house. Moreover, they can be used during short- to medium-length power cuts that take a few hours to a few days. They can be recharged with solar, as well as car adapters or wall outlets. Their power and capacity can also be increased in case you want to use them over a longer period during a blackout. With solar charging, you can run them in the day without trouble and store their battery power to run them at night as well. Due to their lightweight nature, you can take them on a camping trip, use them in an RV, or even in off-grid settings.

A great example of a portable power station is the BLUETTI AC200L, which is perfect for small Adams REC blackouts. It has an output of 2,400W (3,600W surge power), which is sufficient to run your smartphone, laptops, radios, lights, Wi-Fi, and a CPAP machine hours on end. You can even bump up the battery capacity of the unit to 7.6kWh in the event you require running a fridge or microwave.

Moreover, the unit gives an uninterrupted backup in case of unforeseen power cuts. You can recharge it via solar panels, a wall outlet, or dual AC/DC input, a generator, or even a car charger. By using an AC source, you can charge the unit completely in 40 minutes, up to 80%. As a matter of fact, it could attain 92% AC efficiency with low energy losses. Using a 1200W solar input, the AC200L is also able to charge rapidly when it is attached to a solar source.

The BLUETTI Apex 300 is a good choice for running crucial operations during outages that last days at a time. Its power output is 3,840W and its capacity is 2,764.8Wh. When you combine two units in tandem, the power can be extended to deliver 7,680W output with 58kWh capacity. With such a boost, it's possible to run heavy loads, such as a fridge or a small Window AC, in addition to smartphones, laptops, WiFi, and LED lights for many hours.

More than that, the Apex300 system includes instant backup power with a 0ms switching option in case of unplanned blackouts. The device has bad weather alerts and auto-charging in bad weather conditions. It is capable of being charged using solar (up to 30 kW via SolarX 4K), AC, and a generator. You can charge the unit quickly, up to 80% within 45 minutes.

FAQs

1. What is a capital credit (patronage refund) in AREC?

As a member-owned co-op, AREC shares yearly profits with its members as capital credits, based on how much electricity you use. Refunds are sent out as checks or bill credits, depending on the board's decision.

2. Why isn't my outage showing on the AREC map?

Small or new outages might not show up right away on the AREC map. If yours isn't listed, call the 24/7 outage line at 1-800-283-1846.

3. How do I pay my AREC bill?

You can pay through SmartHub, by phone at (800) 232-4797, by mail, or in person. A 6% late fee applies after the due date.

4. Does AREC inspect electrical equipment beyond the meter?

No, AREC only checks the meter base. Homeowners are responsible for wiring and panels inside. If co-op equipment is damaged due to negligence, repair costs may be charged.

5. Are AREC meters accurate?

AREC checks meters for ±2% accuracy. But you can request a free test if it hasn't been done in 2 years. Faulty meters are replaced, and bills are corrected.

6. Why does my neighbor have power and not me?

It could be due to a local problem, such as a tripped breaker or a broken wire in your residence.

Conclusion

If you're a customer of Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, like with any utility service, a power cut can happen due to numerous reasons. However, you can only prepare for longer blackouts if you have updates about the power cut. By viewing the Adams Rural Electric Power Outage Map from the company's website or SmartHub app, you can get real-time updates for the current power outage in your area.

You can also report an outage through the map, app, or via the company's hotline and subscribe to alerts via the app. In addition, prepare an emergency kit consisting of food, water, lighting, communication aids, and other supplies depending on the needs of your household. A backup power source, like a portable power station, is also a must to charge your crucials. The BLUETTI AC200L performs well during short blackouts, powering up phones, laptops, lighting, Wi-Fi, and CPAP machines for many hours.

But you can expand the unit's capacity to run them for longer. The BLUETTI Apex 300 is another powerful portable power station for extended outages spanning days or increased power demand. It can run more energy-intensive equipment, such as fridges and a small Window AC, and when two units are combined, it can run critical appliances along with power-voracious appliances for longer.