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Outages & Safety

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A large fallen tree and branches block a wet residential road, with utility lines and trees visible in the background.

Report and Track a Power Outage

Track current power outages or report an outage online via the Power Outage map. Call 253-502-8602 to report a power outage, broken line, or broken power pole.

Storms can affect many customers, so phone lines may be busy. Please only call once and be patient. The outage length depends on the extent of the damage and the repairs needed. We may not be able to provide a restoration time. Bad weather or darkness may slow work, but crews will work around the clock to restore your power as safely as possible.
Power Outage Map
A high‑pressure stream of water gushes from a large hose/fire hydrant onto a rock, splashing across an orange tarp.

Report and Track a Water Issue

Track a current water event or issue via the Water Event Map. Call 253-502-8207 to report a water quality concern during regular business hours or 253-502-8344 after hours and on weekends

Call 253-502-8384 to report water leaks, outages, and emergency turn on/off.
Water Event Map
Safety officer writing and checking off items on checklist document during an inspection.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Know what kind of disasters and emergencies are most common where you live and learn what emergency responders recommend.
Preparedness Information
Tacoma Power crews in a bucket truck repairng a power line.

TPU Service Area County Emergency Management Departments

For information or resources related to flooding or evacuations, please contact your local emergency management agency directly.
County Emergency Management Contacts
Downed power line near a residential home.

Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines

Downed power lines can cause serious injury or death. Always assume a downed line is live.

  • Stay away. Never touch or approach a downed line. Call 911.
  • Don’t move it. Leave it to trained professionals.
  • Stay in your vehicle if a line falls on it. Call for help and do not get out.
  • Report it immediately. Tacoma Power will respond and make the area safe.
Mylar Balloons Near Power Lines

Balloon Safety

Mylar balloons cause about six power outages annually, resulting in significant interruptions to thousands of customers. If you purchase balloons, handle them carefully and ensure they do not release into the air. Consider using them indoors, tying them to weights, and deflating them when done. If they get caught in power lines, call Tacoma Power at 253-502-8602.
picture of a white home generator in a yard connected to the home.

Generator Safety

Generators can help during power outages, but improper installation can be dangerous. Carefully read your generator’s instructions. The use of a generator may require a permit and inspections. Contact us at 253-502-8277 for more information.
Two crew members wearing harnesses and safety equipment.

Tree Trimming

Trees add to our quality of life, and Tacoma Power encourages a healthy urban forest environment. However, when trees grow into power lines, they create hazards. Our tree crews work year-round to maintain required clearances on all transmission and distribution circuits we operate. Each circuit is inspected and trimmed on a four-year cycle. That provides the best program of control for growth and maintenance.

If you are going to plant a tree under a power line along the street, please check out our list of recommended tree species. For questions about tree clearances from power lines, tree removal or related issues, please call Tacoma Power at 253-502-8729.
Utility truck in the road with other cars driving by

Move Over or Slow Down

Washington State law requires drivers to vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, including utility service vehicles, if they are traveling in the same direction and it is safe to do so. If not, drivers are required to slow down and may not exceed the speed limit within 200 feet before and after a stationary utility service vehicle that has its flashing lights activated. Help keep our crews safe!
Person stepping on a shovel to press it into the dirt.

Call Before You Dig

Whether you want to plant a tree or install a new sprinkler system, the law requires you to call before digging to avoid damaging utilities.

We will come out and mark underground utility lines in colored paint, free of charge. This will help you avoid cutting into underground utilities, causing harm and incurring costs associated with damage.

Dial 811 or call 800-424-5555 to schedule an appointment, which must be made two days in advance.

Helpful information you can provide when calling us about a power outage or water issue.

  1. Your name
  2. Address of the location impacted
  3. Phone number (for possible call back)
  4. Approximate time the outage/issue started and if it is still in progress
  5. For power outages: Any visible damage or specific problem, such as a tree in a power line, a wire down, an audible explosion, a broken pole, etc.

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Tacoma Public Utilities

3 days ago

As say farewell to summer and hello to fall, our crews are wrapping up important work to prepare the electric system for the... Lightbox link for post with description As say farewell to summer and hello to fall, our...

As say farewell to summer and hello to fall, our crews are wrapping up important work to prepare the electric system for the months ahead.

One of the biggest ways we help reduce storm-related outages is by trimming trees and vegetation near power lines. Fallen branches and overgrown treesRead more are among the leading causes of power outages during fall and winter storms. By clearing vegetation before severe weather arrives, we're helping reduce outages, improve safety, and make it easier for crews to restore power if storms do occur.

It's one more way we're preparing the system now so it's ready when the weather changes.

Likes: 22Comments: 2
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Tacoma Public Utilities

6 days ago

Meet Missy, a natural resources field technician helping sustain salmon and steelhead populations on the Cowlitz River.... Lightbox link for post with description Meet Missy, a natural resources field technician...

Meet Missy, a natural resources field technician helping sustain salmon and steelhead populations on the Cowlitz River. She’s one of many who play a crucial role in how we support the natural resources and communities around our hydro projects.

Video Description: Missy Baier, a TPU Read moreemployee, conducts an interview at the Cowlitz River adult separator. Video footage shows multiple employees collecting, sorting and recording information about salmon at the Cowlitz River Fish Facility. The video also shows the facility, fish collection equipment and visitor center.

Likes: 195Comments: 13
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Tacoma Public Utilities

7 days ago

Fall is officially here and so are delicious pumpkin spice drinks! ☕️ 🎃 🍂 Whether you make yours in a pot, with ... Lightbox link for post with description Fall is officially here and so are delicious...

Fall is officially here and so are delicious pumpkin spice drinks! ☕️ 🎃 🍂

Whether you make yours in a pot, with a press or buy it at a local shop, it all starts the same way, with high-quality Tacoma Water.

Likes: 6Comments: 2