The City of Newark is set to launch a new outage management system during the week of August 11, offering electric customers enhanced communication tools for both planned and unplanned power outages.
The system will provide multiple features aimed at improving customer service and transparency during outage events. Customers will be able to report outages, view affected areas in real time, receive estimated restoration times, and communicate via two-way text messaging.
Text alerts will be distributed through TextPower to customers with phone numbers already on file. These users will be automatically enrolled to receive notifications. To interact with the system, customers can text “out” to report a power outage or “status” to receive a service update. Those who do not receive a welcome message may text “opt” to 302-366-7000 to enroll.
An online portal will be available at outages.newarkde.gov/outages, allowing users to report outages, check outage status, and view maps that include estimated restoration times.
In addition, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system will manage calls when customer service representatives are unavailable. The IVR will allow customers to report outages and request a callback once power has been restored.
Enrollment is automatic, and no further action is required for customers to begin using the service. A confirmation text will be sent to registered mobile numbers once the system is active. The message will contain a secure link and is safe to open.
