Winter Power Outage Checklist for Twin Falls and Magic Valley Homes and Farms
Ice storms, wind and heavy snow knock out power every winter. Use this checklist before, during and after an outage.
The safest winter outage plan is to prepare before the storm: know your critical loads, have a safe way to power them, and never run a generator indoors or connect it to your house without a transfer switch. This checklist covers homes and farms in Twin Falls and the Magic Valley.
Before the storm
- List your critical loads: furnace blower, well pump, refrigerator and freezer, medical equipment, sump pump, and on farms any livestock heaters, waterers and milking equipment.
- Decide on backup power: a portable generator with a transfer switch or interlock, or a standby generator. See generator installation and how to size a generator.
- Test it: run the generator under load, check fuel and oil, and know where the transfer switch is.
- Add surge protection at the panel — power returning can send a surge. See surge protection.
- Stock basics: flashlights, batteries, a battery radio, phone chargers and a list of utility and electrician numbers.
During an outage
- Report it: Idaho Power customers can use idahopower.com/outages or 1-800-488-6151; MVEC members should call their co-op. See MVEC vs Idaho Power.
- Stay away from downed lines and anything touching them. Call 911 and the utility.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to hold temperature.
- Turn off or unplug sensitive equipment and leave one light on so you know when power returns.
- Use generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is deadly.
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power the house. That backfeeds the grid and can kill utility crews. Use a properly installed transfer switch or interlock.
Carbon monoxide warning
Never run a generator in a garage, basement or near an open window, even with the door open. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or get a headache while a generator is running, get to fresh air and call 911.
When power returns
- Turn off the generator and transfer switch to the utility position as instructed.
- Bring appliances back on one at a time to avoid a surge on the circuits.
- If the breaker trips or there is a burning smell, stop — see why breakers trip and call us.
- Check for damage to the service mast, meter and panel after ice or wind storms — see emergency electrician.
For farms and ranches
Outages are more costly with livestock: waterers freeze, heaters stop and dairies cannot milk. Plan critical loads and a generator with a properly sized transfer switch — see agricultural electrician and dairy farm electrician. Our cost guide lists a farm generator and transfer switch at $4,000 – $10,000 for the electrical side, with the generator itself separate.
Portable, inverter or standby generator?
| Type | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Portable generator with transfer switch | Keeping a furnace, fridge, well pump and some lights running | Needs someone to start, fuel and monitor it; must be run outdoors |
| Inverter generator | Smaller loads and sensitive electronics | Quiet and fuel-efficient but lower output |
| Standby generator with automatic transfer switch | Homes and farms that cannot afford to lose power | Permanently installed, starts automatically; the generator and gas line are separate costs from the electrical work |
See how to size a generator and generator installation.
Cold-weather generator tips
- Keep fuel fresh and stored safely; use fuel stabilizer for gasoline kept over time.
- Check oil and starting battery before the season, not during the storm.
- Run the generator on a dry, level pad away from the house, and keep snow cleared from the exhaust and air intakes.
- Never refuel a hot or running generator.
Heating safely when the power is out
- Never use a gas oven, grill or camp stove to heat a living space — carbon monoxide builds up quickly.
- Install battery-powered CO alarms and check their batteries before winter.
- Keep space heaters on their own outlet, plugged directly in, with clearance from anything flammable.
- Plan for anyone who depends on medical equipment: know your backup and who to call.
Winter outage FAQ
Can I run my furnace on a portable generator?
Often yes, through a transfer switch or interlock sized for the furnace blower and controls. A professional installation makes sure it is safe and sized correctly.
What size generator do I need?
It depends on what you want to run. See our generator sizing guide.
Is it safe to use an extension cord from a generator to the house?
Individual appliances can be plugged into heavy-duty cords from an outdoor generator, but never power the house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet.
Who do I call when the power goes out?
Your utility first. If the problem is inside your home or farm, such as a tripped main or damage to the service mast, call us at (208) 719-5016.
Need an Electrician in Twin Falls?
Licensed, insured, permitted. Written estimate before work starts.
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