SCE Outage Map: Usage, Report, Sign Up For Alerts, and More

Southern California Edison (SCE), which is part of Edison International, is a major electricity provider in a huge, critically differentiated area of Central, Coastal, and Southern California. SCE serves approximately 15 million customers. Online tools like the SCE Outage Map that display current outages help people prepare for and monitor future blackouts in these areas.

Staying updated helps minimize the impact of outages on daily life. In this article, we'll explain SCE outage types, how to use their outage map, subscribe to alerts, report issues, and plan backup power.

SCE Outages: Types and Common Causes

SCE's service areas in Central, Coastal, and Southern California face four different types of outages. Each power cut is due to reasons, such as:

1. Maintenance Outage: This is a temporary power cut so crews can safely perform maintenance or upgrades, like replacing old poles or long sections of underground or overhead wires.

2. Repair Outage: It's a deliberate power cut to repair the cause of whatever event has disrupted the utility supply. For example, the event could be:

• Car accidents: A collision with utility poles may break power lines.

• Extreme heat and high electricity demand: During the hot weather, power lines and transformers can be overloaded due to the high AC consumption.

• Storms: The power lines may be broken or damaged due to rain, hail, or gales.

• Natural calamities: Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires can damage power systems.

• Metallic balloons: Balloon-related electricity breakdowns have almost doubled over the last five years.

3. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): This is the temporary shutoff to prevent wildfires until out of danger. It's performed when there is a risk of dangerous fire weather, such as strong winds, dry plants, and low humidity, that increases the probability of an electrical equipment-related fire.

4. Rotating Outage: It is a brief, scheduled electricity interruption mandated by the California grid supervisor (CAISO) when the electricity consumption is very high. Utilities like SCE use it to reduce strain on the system and prevent bigger outages. It rotates through different areas to keep things fair and usually lasts about an hour.

How to Find and Use the SCE Outage Map?

Follow the instructions beneath to find and use the online SCE Outage Map on the SCE website:

Step 1: Visit “sce.com.” Then, click “Outages & Safety” from the menu. Select “Check Outage Status” beneath the “Outage Center.” This will redirect you to the outage map. You can also check the outage map on the SCE (iOS and Android) app in the “Outage” section.

Step 2: You can check the blackout status by entering the “Address,” “City,” “County,” “ZIP Code,” “Outage Number,” or “Meter Number” in the search bar.

Step 3: Beneath the search bar, you can click “Current Outages” or “Scheduled Outages” and check the power cuts by their city and county name. You can also check the “PSPS” outages by their address or county details.

Step 4: Pick your county or city. The info will display the outage type, the starting time when the repair commences, and the estimated restoration time. You'll also know the status of the repairs, the reason for the power breakdown, and the outage number.

Step 5: Click ‘View Map' to display that particular outage.

Step 6: Click the outage icon. You'll see more details about the repair progress and the number of customers impacted.

Step 7: Under the map, there are icons that display info regarding the outages, high fire risk areas, the cooling centers, the crew vehicle, etc. Here is what each of the icons means:

• Scheduled Outage: It is a pre-planned outage used to conduct maintenance of equipment or repair work on power. SCE customers are informed in advance of any scheduled outage. The blackout continues for 5 hours max at 105°F or warmer and is called off above 113°F.

• PSPS: Power is shut off during high wildfire risk (strong winds, dry weather). It can last 3–5 days.

• PSPS Under Consideration: These are monitored areas where shutoffs could be implemented depending on the fire weather forecast.

• High Fire Risk Area: These are fire-risk areas (Tier 2 or 3), and residents there may qualify for generator or battery rebates.

• Downstream Circuit(s): These are power cuts on smaller lines branching from major ones, usually because of local problems.

• Major Outages: Larger and unanticipated blackouts affect a significant number of individuals as a result of storms or equipment failure.

• Rotating Outage Group: These are short cut-offs during high demand to save the grid from disruptions. Important buildings like hospitals are spared from this shutdown.

• EV Charging Station: Shows electric vehicle chargers that are down during outages.

• Resource Center: Places to get outage info, supplies, or access cooling centers.

• Crew Vehicle: Shows repair crews at work. You can click for the estimated power restoration time.

• Hotel Assistance: Temporary lodging for Medical Baseline or disabled customers during long outages.

• Food Bank: Locations giving out food during extended outages like PSPS events.

• Cooling Center: Air-conditioned shelters that are provided when the heat is intense or during power outages, especially for the vulnerable.

Sign Up for SCE Power Outage Alerts and Notifications

SCE enables diverse alerts that enable you to keep informed. You will be able to receive current information on power cuts, such as the repair process and the likely time of restoration. Emergency alerts warn you about extreme weather or safety issues like PSPS events.

You'll also receive advance notice for planned outages and updates on power restoration. You can choose how you get alerts by email, text, voice notes, or app, and update your preferences anytime through your SCE account. Here's how to sign up for outage alerts:

1. Outage Alerts for SCE Customers

If you're an SCE customer, here's how you can sign up for alerts:

• SCE Website: Visit “sce.com.” Then, tap “Outages & Safety” in the menu. Choose “Get Alerts” beneath “Outage Center.” Next, choose “Sign Up for Outage Alerts” for the SCE customers. Log in to your account. Sign up for outage alerts by email, voice, or text.

• Text: You can also text “REG' to 544487 (LIGHTS) to sign up for the power cut alerts.

• SCE Mobile App: Use the SCE mobile app to sign up for the alerts. Simply open the app. Sign in to your account. Then, choose “Notifications” from the “Settings.” Enroll to receive text, email, or voice alerts.

2. PSPS Alerts for Non-SCE Customers

Renters, caregivers, travelers, and others without an SCE account can still get alerts by email, text, or call. Here's how:

• Simply visit “https://www.scepsps.com/.” Agree to get started. Fill in your address to compare it with the address present in the SCE database.

• Enter your correspondence, i.e., phone and email. Next, decide how you would like to receive alerts (voice, text, or email).

• Follow the next steps that will help you complete and activate your alerts.

3. Managing Medical Needs During Power Outages

If someone in your home depends on power for medical reasons, fill out a self-certification form so SCE can alert you or send someone if needed. The form is valid for 90 days and must be renewed. But for long-term medical equipment needs, visit “sce.com/mbl” to apply for the Medical Baseline Allowance program.

Contact SCE Support Effectively During Outages

When your SCE service breaks down or you experience a power breakdown, call support as soon as possible. Provide them with the crucial information so they can resolve the issue in a short span. When reporting an outage, you should be prepared to provide your service address (including ZIP code) and account number (when you have it).

Also, add a short explanation of the problem, such as whether it is only your residence or the entire area. Next, you can state whether the neighbors are out as well or there is an issue, like downed wires. The following are the means of contacting SCE and reporting the outage or the problem:

• Hotline: Dial 1-800-611-1911 at the 24-hour outage hotline to report an SCE power breakdown or inquire about any problem with SCE general customer service at 1-800-655-4555.

• SCE Website: Report issues and check outage updates on the SCE website “sce.com/outage.”

• SCE Mobile App: You can also do the same through the SCE mobile app. All you have to do is open the application. Sign in to your account. Then, choose “Outage.” Input the necessary info and submit.

• Twitter Report: Reply privately to @SCE or tweet with hashtag #SCEoutage.

• Send a Physical Report: Send a physical report for the power cut to the SCE Customer Service, P.O. Box 800, Rosemead, CA 91770.

Rebates and Adjustments for Long SCE Outages

SCE also offers a rebate to its users for prolonged blackouts. Based on certain conditions, the company will adjust the credit on your bill. Here's how:

• On-Time Appointments: If SCE is more than 30 minutes late to a scheduled service visit (like a meter install or billing check), you get a $30 credit. But it doesn't apply if crews are sent to emergencies like downed wires.

• Power Restored in 24 Hours: If SCE doesn't restore power within 24 hours of when SCE first becomes aware of a power outage, you get $30, and more for each extra 24 hours without service. However, cases like road closures, vacant homes, or planned outages are excluded.

• 3-Day Notice for Maintenance: SCE guarantees at least 3 days' notice before planned maintenance outages. If not, you get $30. This adjustment doesn't apply if your contact info is wrong, the area is vacant, or it's an emergency fix.

• First Bill Accuracy: New customers will receive an accurate first bill within 60 days. If not, SCE will credit you $30. Exceptions include late service requests, access issues, incorrect info, or certain billing adjustments.

Power Backup Solutions During SCE Outages

SCE power cuts can interrupt your routine, but having the right backup energy source can help keep crucial devices running. Both battery-powered portable stations and gas generators are great options. Nevertheless, the gas generators are more effective during prolonged blackouts or for powering bigger home appliances. They can run as long as you have fuel stock, but they are very loud and require ventilation, as well as more maintenance.

Conversely, battery-powered power stations are appropriate in case of power breakdowns for a brief period. These are silent, indoor-safe, and do not require any fuel. But if a power station also has solar and an AC charging feature, you can run it during prolonged power cuts as well. For instance, the BLUETTI AC200L can be charged using solar, a wall outlet, a car charger, dual AC+DC, or even a generator. It's excellent for shorter blackouts like scheduled SCE power cuts.

With a 2,400W output (3,600W surge power), it can charge devices like phones and laptops and run lights, Wi-Fi, and a CPAP machine for many hours. You even have the option of increasing the battery capacity of the unit to 7.6kWh in case you want to operate a fridge. In addition, the unit provides seamless backup power during unexpected outages.

With an AC input, you can charge the unit up to 80% in 40 minutes. In fact, its AC efficiency could reach 92%, with energy losses minimal, making it a highly energy-efficient, clean energy power source. The AC200L can also be charged fast when connected to a 1200W solar input. If you want to run the crucials during outages that extend for many days, the BLUETTI Apex 300 is a solid option.

It provides 3,840W output and 2,764.8Wh capacity, which can increase to 7,680W with 58kWh capacity if two units are connected in tandem. With such a huge output, you can even run heavy loads like a fridge or a small Window AC alongside crucials for many hours. In addition, the Apex300 features immediate backup power with a 0ms switching option for unplanned blackouts.

The unit features weather alerts and auto-charging under bad weather conditions. You can charge it via solar and up to 30 kW with SolarX 4K, by AC, and with a generator. It also charges rather fast, up to 80% in 45 minutes. As both Apex 300 and AC200L are portable, you can also use them in an emergency, while camping, in an RV, or even off the grid.

FAQs

1. What are SCE's renewable energy sources?

In 2019, SCE received 35.1% of its power from renewable energy sources, 16.1% from natural gas, and 8.2% from nuclear. The remainder was obtained using sources that are not clearly identified.

2. Are SCE electricity rates going up in 2025?

Yes. In 2025, SCE will increase electric bills by an average of 10.3%, about $17.49 more every month. Subsequently, lower increases will take place up to 2028. The rates have already increased 13 times since 2020.

3. Is there an incentive to be energy efficient with SCE?

Yes. SCE has programs like the Schools Energy Efficiency Program (SEEP). It helps schools save energy and expenses by paying for lighting upgrades and other improvements.

4. What are SCE's Time-of-Use (TOU) plans?

The SCE's Time-of-Use (TOU) plans are for consumers to save money by using power during off-peak hours, as electricity prices change depending on the time of day. Residences have three primary plans, which are TOU-D-4-9 PM, TOU-D-5-8 PM, and TOU-D-PRIME (for customers who have an electric vehicle or install solar panels). The cost of electricity during peak hours is between 23 to 74 cents per kilowatt hour in 2025.

Conclusion

Southern California Edison (SCE) powers a large geographical location, and one must be acquainted with how to prepare for it. The power cuts can be planned or unplanned. But you'll be able to keep abreast through the SCE Outage Map, and by signing up for alerts. You can also report an outage in your neighborhood if it hasn't been reported yet. There are also certain conditions under which SCE adjusts bills, giving you a rebate for long outages.

However, that's something to think about later. First, you should be well prepared for both planned and unexpected blackouts with a backup energy source. The BLUETTI AC200L with 2,400W output and 3,600W surge energy is a quiet, portable, and efficient power station. It's good enough at fulfilling basic home demands in case of a short blackout.

Whereas the BLUETTI Apex 300 is more powerful with a 3,840W output, charges quicker, and can operate crucial from many hours to several days. When combined in parallel, it offers 7,680W output to juice up heavy-duty appliances during longer outages. Both the BLUETTI AC200L and BLUETTI Apex300 can be charged with solar and AC and make excellent choices as backup in residences, camping, RVs, and off-grid living.