What to do during a power outage

We monitor the status of the electricity network around the clock. We update the information on our communication channels as soon as possible. For this reason, there is no need to call us right when a power outage begins. First, check our communication channels.

You do not need to contact the electricity network company in the event of power outages caused by an electricity shortage either. Stay calm. The situation is under the control of professionals, and the procedures have been planned and rehearsed in advance. You can find more information about electricity shortages on this page.

If you know the cause of the power outage – for example, a tree that has fallen on a power line – report it immediately to our emergency number, tel. 0800 02001. The number is available 24/7. You can call Turku Energia’s emergency number in all electricity network–related emergencies.

Never attempt to remove a tree that has fallen on a power line yourself. Do not touch anything that is in contact with power lines.

• If a single electrical device stops working, first check that the device itself is not broken. Try turning on lights in other rooms and see if other appliances in your home are functioning.

• A blown fuse could be the reason your entire home has lost power. Check the fuse box to see if the fuses are intact.

• Check whether your neighbor has electricity. Are the lights on in nearby houses and on the street?

• Do not call us at this stage either. The outage is most likely already known. We monitor the status of the electricity network around the clock. Our monitoring systems receive immediate notifications of major network faults.

• Check whether there is information about the outage on any of our communication channels. In our announcements, we report the affected areas and often also the estimated repair time.

We provide information about power outages through these channels:

• Outage map: On our outage map you can see the current status of our electricity network. Major faults are registered in our systems immediately and appear on the map right away. Minor faults are not shown automatically, but we update the map as soon as possible.

• Website: In the event of major disruptions, we always provide updates on the front page of our website at www.turkuenergia.fi.

• Social media: We often provide updates about outages on Facebook and X.

• Local media: Especially in the case of widespread outages and their estimated duration, information is usually also shared through local media. We send notifications about power distribution disruptions to the media and our key stakeholders, such as the rescue authorities and the City of Turku’s communications department.

• Text message and email notifications: Subscribe to our outage notifications to your mobile phone and email. (Instructions and notifications are in Finnish.)

• Planned maintenance outages: We notify customers affected by the power outage three days in advance if they have subscribed to electronic outage notifications. Other customers will receive the advance notice by paper mail.

• Power outages related to electricity shortages: We aim to provide advance notice of any power outages caused by electricity shortages whenever possible. However, it is important to note that advance notice may unfortunately not be possible if a directive to limit electricity use is issued by Findgrid on short notice (less than 15 minutes). Especially if an increased risk of electricity shortage has been announced, actively monitor all our communication channels as well as general media. In an electricity shortage situation, an exceptionally large number of text messages may be sent nationwide, which means there is no full certainty that all text messages will be delivered. Read more about electricity shortages.

• Official announcements: In a large-scale emergency, it is important to follow official information. Official and emergency alerts are published, for example, via the 112 Suomi mobile app, on Yle’s news website, on Yle News radio broadcast, Yle Radio 1 (89,8 MHz in Turku) and on several TV channels.

• If there is no information about the power outage on our communication channels even after a short while, you can report it using our fault report form.

• If no information is available anywhere within 1–2 hours, you may call our emergency number: 0800 02001. The number is available 24/7. If the outage is extensive, our phone service may become congested.

• Lights and electrical appliances: When the power goes out, you can turn off lights and appliances, as they won’t work during the outage anyway. Leave one light on so you’ll know when the power returns.

• Stove, iron, coffee maker, washing machine: Turn off the power to these devices. If left on, they could cause a fire when the electricity comes back. Also, turn off the water taps to your washing machines as a precaution.

• Refrigerator: Food will stay cold in the fridge for a couple of hours after the power goes out. The ability to keep food cold always depends on the specific appliance, which is why there is no exact general guideline for how long food remains safe in the refrigerator during a power outage. Avoid opening the fridge door unnecessarily to keep warm air out. Plan what you need and take everything out at once. If the outage is expected to last longer, you can move food to coolers with ice packs.

• Freezer: Food will stay frozen for at least a day if the freezer door remains closed. Don’t open it unless necessary, as that speeds up thawing. Depending on conditions, a freezer can keep food frozen for up to two days. If you’re worried about thawing, you can cover the freezer with rugs, blankets, or thick cloth to gain 4–5 extra hours.

• Water taps and showers: Water may still come from taps and showers during an outage, but it’s not recommended to use it. There is a small chance the water temperature has risen due to the outage.

• Do not hoard water. The elevated tank system used in Finland ensures sufficient water pressure for normal use for several hours. Use water only for essential needs during a power outage.

• If you use candles, make sure they are on a non-flammable surface and never leave them unattended in a room.

• Electrical appliances: When the power returns, do not reconnect all electrical devices at once. A sudden surge in demand may cause the power to go out again.

• Esimerkiksi lämpöpatterit on hyvä laittaa päälle yksi kerrallaan ja pitää pieni tauko aina välissä. Sähkösaunan kiuas on myös erittäin suuri yksittäinen kuormittaja.

• For example, heaters and radiators should be turned on one at a time, with a short pause in between. The electric sauna stove is also a very large individual load.

• Make sure that refrigerators and freezers restart properly.

• Even after the outage ends, be cautious – tap water may be unusually hot.

• In case you experience another power outage in the future, review our instructions on how to prepare for power outages.