Outage Text Alerts

When the lights go out, don’t be left in the dark
Outage text alerts will keep you informed

Outage Text Alerts is a service available to DEMCO members to expedite outage reporting and keep you updated on restoration times through text.

Using the latest SMS technology, outage text alerts are delivered to members who have a cell phone number associated with their account:

  • Outage Alerts for your Service Address / Area
  • Estimated Time of Restoration and Status Updates
  • Notification When Power is Restored

Participation in the system is free, however standard text and data rates may apply.

Automatic Enrollment

As a convenience, if there is a cell phone number associated with your electric account, you will automatically be enrolled in the Outage Text Alert System. Please note that standard text and data rates may apply, text QUIT to cancel.

NOTE: If you have the same cell phone number associated to multiple accounts you will receive a text message asking you to manually register each account and assign nicknames for identification purposes. You can also do that by using this link: Click here to Register

To Register Multiple Accounts associated with A Single Phone Number OR To Re-Enroll:

Registration only takes a moment.

  • You will need your account number and cell phone number in order to register. Click here to Register.
  • After hitting the submit button, you’ll receive a text from 225-261-1177 that provides a passcode number that you key in to complete the registration process.
  • Remember to save 225-261-1177 to your contact on your cell phone so you can quickly report your outage when needed.

I Don’t Want to get Outage Text Alerts

Opting out is easy — simply type QUIT in response to any DEMCO outage text message you receive and you will be removed from the system and all future outage text messages.

    Number to text to communicate about DEMCO power outage – 225-261-1177

    The next time you experience a power outage, just text us using the following prompts (keywords):

    • OUTAGE - Report an outage at the service address associated with mobile number
    • STATUS - Request the status of an outage (may not be available during widespread outages)
    • QUIT - Cancels participation in DEMCO outage alerts
    • HELP - Request information about DEMCO outage alerts and a number to call for additional support

    To participate in outage and status texting alerts, ensure we have your current mobile number(s) on your MyDEMCO account.

     

    What are outage text alerts?

    Outage text alerts allow you and DEMCO to use the everyday accessibility of text messaging to quickly and easily communicate about power outages including reporting an outage or receiving outage restoration updates, available to all DEMCO members who have a cell phone associated with their electric account. 

     

    How much does texting cost?

    Text alerts are offered at no charge by DEMCO. However, your cell phone provider may bill you for text messages received and sent with this service. DEMCO is not responsible for these charges. Before using, check with your cell phone service provider for text message costs.

    How do I participate in the DEMCO Outage Texting?

    As a convenience, all DEMCO accounts with active and valid cell phone numbers are automatically registered in the DEMCO Outage Text Alert System. When a new account is created, the member will automatically be registered (within one business day) and receive a welcome text message.
    Members with multiple accounts will receive a link to manually register for SMS services. A nickname will be required if the same mobile number is registered to multiple accounts.
    A registration form is also available on our website to register. A nickname will be required if the same mobile number is registered to multiple accounts.

    What are the keywords for DEMCO's outage text alerts?

    OUTAGE Report a power outage
    STATUS Requests the STATUS of a power outage
    QUIT to Cancel participation in outage text alert system

    I don’t want to get DEMCO outage text alerts. What do I do?

     If you’d rather not receive outage related text messages, just reply ‘QUIT’ to cancel. If you change your mind and want to begin receiving outage notifications and updates, you can REGISTER [enter registration link here]. 

    I have multiple accounts at multiple locations. Can I get alerts about each service location on my mobile phone?

    Yes, a nickname is required for each service location when the same mobile number is registered to multiple accounts.

    Can my spouse and I both get alerts about our account on each of our phones?

    Yes, if both cell phone numbers are on the account you will be automatically enrolled.  If you have any additional numbers you would like to add to the system you can manual add at [insert registration link here].

    Can we get alerts on each family member's mobile phone?

    Yes, you may register as many numbers as needed to receive alerts on the same account.

    I have an elderly family member that lives alone. Can I get text notifications from their account?

    Yes, with the account holder’s authorization, you may register your mobile number to send and receive alerts for their account.

    How do I receive status updates on my account?

    To receive a status update on your account, text STATUS to 225-261-1177.

    Why did I receive a outage text alert telling me that my power was out after I'd already text OUTAGE and received a confirmation?

    The DEMCO Outage Text Alert System is designed to alert all members and customers when a power outage is identified in their service area. 

    If my estimated time of restoration (ETOR) has passed and I am still without power, do I need to report my outage again?

    No, if the estimated time of restoration (ETOR) has passed, rest assured that our crews are working to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible, an ETOR is just an estimate and is not a guarantee.

    What if I received a text message stating that my power has been restored, but my lights are still not coming on?

    Please first check the circuit breaker at the property. If power is still not restored after checking the breaker, either text OUTAGE or call 225-261-1177 or call 1-844-MyDEMCO, Option 1 to re-report the outage. There may be additional damage at your location that DEMCO was not previously aware of when making the original repairs.

    Why did I receive text messages that were not delivered in the proper sequence?

    We send messages to you in order, but your cell phone carrier does not guarantee that messages will be delivered in order. If you get two messages in a row, you may have to scroll up to see both messages on the phone screen.

    I texted a question to DEMCO about my outage. Why haven’t I received a response?

    Outage texting is an automated process through our outage management system and relies on keywords to communicate. Following are the only keywords allowed to communicate about an outage via text:
    OUTAGE Report a power outage
    STATUS Requests the STATUS of a power outage
    QUIT to Cancel participation in outage text alert     system

    Can DEMCO guarantee delivery of text messages?

    DEMCO cannot guarantee the delivery of text messages. Your cell phone wireless carrier is responsible for transmitting text messages. Text message delivery may be limited by your cell phone plan or your provider’s wireless coverage area. From time to time, the texting system may be unavailable, and text messages cannot be sent by us. This could result in undelivered or untimely text messages. To report outages, you can also call 1-844-MyDEMCO Option 1.

    What if I change cell phone carriers, but I’ve kept my same cell number?

    Participants will automatically be unenrolled and must re-register if:
    You change cell phone carriers (even if you keep the same number); or
    Your cell phone number is disconnected (even if it is reconnected).

    What happens if I move?

    If you move to another location outside of DEMCO system, text QUIT from your current cell phone number to opt out of the system.

    I received an outage text from DEMCO about someone else's account. How can I stop this?

    Sometimes you are given a phone number by your mobile carrier which was previously assigned to another person. If that other person hasn't removed that phone number from their DEMCO account, then you may receive errant messages. You can reply QUIT to to permanently disconnect your mobile phone from the wrong account. If DEMCO has your cell number listed on your account, you will still receive outage text alerts for your account.