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The $200 Million Power Shield: What Wisconsin Public Service Customers Need To Know About Outages, Alerts, And Storm Preparation

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Dealing with a power outage in Wisconsin, especially during the harsh winter months, requires immediate, accurate information. As of Friday, December 19, 2025, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is reporting extremely low outage numbers, which is a testament to ongoing infrastructure improvements, but customers across Northeast and Central Wisconsin must always be prepared for the unexpected, particularly with frigid temperatures and snow in the forecast. The utility, which serves approximately 470,000 electric and 347,000 natural gas customers, is actively working to minimize future disruptions by investing heavily in its power grid. This guide provides the most current methods for reporting an outage, tracking restoration, and understanding the major preventative measures WPS is taking to keep your lights on.

WPS Outage Status and Real-Time Reporting Essentials

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) maintains a high standard of reliability, but when severe weather—such as heavy snow, ice storms, or high winds—strikes its service area, which includes major cities like Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Wausau, outages can occur rapidly. Knowing the correct procedures is crucial for a fast resolution.

How to Report a Power Outage to WPS

The fastest and most efficient way to alert Wisconsin Public Service to an interruption in your electric service is by using one of their dedicated digital or phone channels. Do not assume your neighbor has already reported it, as every report helps WPS pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
  • Electric Emergency Hotline: Call 800-450-7240. This is the primary number for reporting a power outage.
  • Online Reporting: Customers can check their service status or report an outage directly through the WPS website.
  • WPS Mobile App: The utility's dedicated mobile app allows for quick reporting and status checks directly from your smartphone.

Note: WPS cannot accept text messages or email for power outages or emergencies.

The WPS Outage Map and Restoration Tracking

The WPS Outage Map is the single most important tool for customers during a significant event. This interactive map provides a real-time view of the entire WPS service area, which spans across Northeast and Central Wisconsin and parts of Michigan.

The map allows you to:

  • View the total number of customers affected.
  • See the number of active outages by municipality and county.
  • Get the estimated time of restoration (ETR) for specific areas.

WPS uses a sophisticated, mobile-enabled outage management system (OMS), provided by Hexagon, to better manage and dispatch crews. This technology helps the utility prioritize repairs and speed up the power restoration process, especially following widespread storm-related outages.

Proactive Protection: WPS’s $200 Million Grid Investment

In a major step toward future reliability, Wisconsin Public Service is ramping up its efforts to prevent storm-related outages following an uptick in severe weather events in recent years. This proactive approach is centered on a significant financial commitment to infrastructure hardening.

The Focus on Preventative Measures

WPS plans to spend nearly $200 million on projects specifically designed to fortify the electric grid against extreme weather. This massive investment is a direct response to the increasing intensity of storms that bring high winds, lightning, and heavy ice, which are the primary causes of widespread outages.

Key areas of this investment include:

  • Grid Hardening: Upgrading poles, lines, and substations to withstand higher wind loads and ice accumulation.
  • Vegetation Management: Aggressively trimming and removing trees that pose a threat to power lines, a critical step in preventing downed lines.
  • Technology Upgrades: Further integration of smart grid technology to automatically detect and isolate faults, minimizing the number of customers affected by a single incident.

This long-term strategy aims to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of power interruptions, providing greater stability for residents in the service territory.

Natural Gas Safety and Emergency Contacts

While the focus is often on electric outages, WPS also manages natural gas service. A gas emergency is a different, and potentially more dangerous, situation that requires immediate action.

If you suspect a natural gas leak:

  1. Leave Immediately: Evacuate the area right away. Do not turn on light switches, use your phone, or operate any electrical device, as a spark could trigger an explosion.
  2. Call from a Safe Location: Once you are a safe distance away, call the Gas Emergency Hotline at 800-450-7280.
  3. Do Not Re-Enter: Wait for WPS or emergency personnel to give the all-clear before returning to the building.

Essential Storm Preparation and Outage Alerts

Being prepared before a storm hits is the best defense against the inconvenience and dangers of a prolonged power outage. With the current forecast indicating cold temperatures and a chance of snow, preparation is especially vital.

WPS Storm Safety Checklist

Wisconsin Public Service strongly encourages customers to maintain an emergency kit and follow safety guidelines to stay safe and warm during an outage.
  • Charge Devices: Fully charge all mobile devices, laptops, and portable charging packs before the storm arrives.
  • Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and bottled water (a half-gallon per person per day).
  • Stay Informed: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather and outage updates.
  • Generator Safety: If you use a portable generator, never run it inside your home or garage; always use it outdoors and away from windows.

Sign Up for Outage Alerts

To ensure you receive the latest information about your specific service address, register for Outage Alerts. This free service provides timely updates on your power status and estimated restoration times.

You can manage your alerts to receive notifications via:

  • Text message (SMS)
  • Email
  • Phone call

Registering for these alerts is simple and can be managed through the WPS customer service portal.

Downed Power Line Safety

If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Never approach or touch a downed line or anything it is in contact with, such as a tree or fence. Stay at least 35 feet away and immediately call the Electric Emergency Hotline at 800-450-7240 to report the location.

By utilizing the real-time tools provided by Wisconsin Public Service and taking proactive storm preparation steps, customers can navigate power outages safely and efficiently, ensuring their family and property are protected, even as the utility continues its multi-million dollar effort to build a more resilient electric grid.

The $200 Million Power Shield: What Wisconsin Public Service Customers Need to Know About Outages, Alerts, and Storm Preparation
wisconsin public service outages
wisconsin public service outages

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