Call 844-335-0814 day or night and our service desk will connect you with an independent local electrician who can find the problem and restore power safely.
Quick checks before you call
- Look outside: are neighbors' lights and streetlights on?
- Check the panel for a tripped breaker, which sits between on and off
- Press the test and reset buttons on any GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, garages and outdoors
- Note which rooms or outlets are out and which still work
If you smell burning, see scorch marks or the panel is hot, do not reset anything. Leave the area and call 911 if there is smoke or fire, then call an electrician.
Partial outages and what causes them
A partial outage, where some rooms work and others do not, often comes from a tripped breaker, a failed GFCI outlet feeding other outlets downstream, a loose connection or a damaged wire. Half the house dimming or going out can also point to a problem with the service connection or main breaker, which needs prompt attention.
The electrician traces the dead circuits, tests connections and identifies the failed part before replacing anything.
Getting your power back
- Call 844-335-0814 and tell us what is out and what you have already checked.
- We connect you with an independent electrician who can respond, including after hours when available.
- The electrician tests the panel, circuits and devices to find the fault.
- You approve the repair, then the fault is fixed and power restored.
- The affected circuits are tested to confirm everything is working.
Utility side problems versus problems in your home
If testing shows the problem is on the utility side of your meter, the electrician will tell you so you can contact the utility directly. SMUD serves Sacramento County and small slices of Placer and Yolo counties, so outside that area, check your bill to see which utility serves you.
If the meter base or service connection on your home is damaged, the repair often involves both the electrician and the utility.
Questions about Power Outage Troubleshooting
Why do some outlets work while others in the same room do not?
Rooms are often split across circuits, and one tripped breaker or GFCI outlet can cut power to several outlets downstream.
Is it dangerous if my lights dim and brighten on their own?
It can be. Fluctuating lights may indicate a loose neutral or service problem, which should be checked promptly.