What can they turn off electricity for?

Electricity has firmly entered our lives. While it is, we do not notice it. It seems that this has always been and will be, but if he faces the abyss, and we understand that this is a problem. Especially when a power outage occurs without warning.

The lights go out, the TV and computer turn off, you have to adjust your plans, and in addition to this, eliminate the consequences, starting with the search for candles, flashlights and matches and ending with a leaky refrigerator and spoiled foods.

This problem was especially urgent in the 90s of the last century, when there were so-called rolling blackouts. Now there is no planned shutdown - the phenomenon is much more rare. Nevertheless, it occurs and spoils life.

All power outages have two types of causes: technical and economic.

Technical reasons

• Planned major or current repairs of the entire electrical household of the house or some part of it, individual objects.

• Emergency (full or partial) failure of the power supply system.

• The restriction in the supply of electricity can be caused by the unsatisfactory condition of the consumer's electrical equipment.

Now for each item in more detail. As for the scheduled repair, the duration and time of the planned power outages for the duration of the work are prescribed in the power supply agreement, which is signed between the consumer (tenant) and the guaranteeing supplier. Such energy supply agreements, as a rule, specify a limitation of electricity supply not more than 3 days a year and not more than 24 hours without a break.

Regarding emergencies, no one is safe from this. The time for eliminating accidents is not regulated by law. Although it should be noted in brackets that if the electricity supplier maintains its economy in order, carries out preventive measures and scheduled repairs on time, then there are less emergency situations in this area.

Finally, the unsatisfactory state of the consumer’s electrical household (meaning the house) is a direct path to emergency situations and accidents. The decision on this is made by the representative of the housing inspection or Rostekhnadzor. After that, the representatives of the utility contractor notify the consumer and turn off the power supply.

Economic reasons

• Outage for non-payment

• Availability of electricity consumption excluding (without device).

• Electricity consumption without a corresponding agreement with the electricity supplying organization.

With regard to blackouts for debts, it is possible after exceeding the amount of debt by the consumer more than 3 times the amount of monthly payment. Unfortunately, often public service providers use the threat of power outages for non-payment of other provided utility services, the shutdown of which is prohibited (water supply, for example).

There is no need to comment on the item on electricity consumption without taking it into account. This is theft. It is logical that those who steal electricity should be turned off. And punish for theft. The same goes for the last paragraph. Unauthorized connection is the same theft.

But it is important to remember that for any disconnection or limitation of the supply of electricity, the utility contractor has a duty to notify the consumer in writing no earlier than a month before the date of shutdown. Of course, this does not apply to cases of theft and emergency. In the event of a power outage, an appropriate act on this must be drawn up.

The federal law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” (article 15) provides for compensation for both moral and material damage caused by a power outage.Of course, in cases when it happened with a violation of order, that is, without warning. Emergency cases are excluded.

Having recorded the fact of a power outage - enough evidence of neighbors - and its consequences, in cases where material damage has been incurred (but for this you need to call the representatives of the utility contractor or the electricity supply organization), you can safely go to court for compensation.

What to do if the lights go out

It remains to illuminate another issue related to power outages. Where to call when there is a power outage? If the light suddenly went out, I want to know for what reason and for how long it was turned off. First you need to call the utility contractor. Most often, this is a partnership of homeowners (HOA).

If the shutdown is not associated with any work, it makes sense to call the emergency service. Each district has its own emergency gang number. You need to know it in advance in order to know where to call when the power is turned off. You can leave a request by phone 8-800-700-40-70 (toll free number). Residents of Moscow, in cases when the whole house is disconnected, can call the number 8-800-700-40-70 around the clock. This is the number of the Moscow United Electric Grid Company (MOESK).

If it turns out that there is no electricity in only one apartment (provided that it is not turned off for non-payment), most likely fault in the wiring of the apartment.

It is important thatin case of a power outage in the apartment in a certain place was a flashlight, candles or at least matches. Although, of course, it would be better if this measure is never useful!

See also:

Wiring problems: what to do and how to fix them?

What to do if the machine works in the electrical panel?