NOVEC Power Outage Guide: Using the Outage Map, Reporting Fast, and Picking the Right Backup Power
- NOVEC Power Outage Map: What It Shows and How to Report
- Essential Loads or Heavy Home Circuits? Matching Backup Power to a NOVEC Outage
- How NOVEC Decides Whose Power Comes Back First
- Derechos, Pop-Up Thunderstorms, and Heavy Snow: Why NOVEC Lines Go Down
- Searching "NOVA power outage"? Find the right Northern Virginia map
- Your NOVEC Outage Checklist, Season by Season
- Conclusion
- FAQs
When a storm knocks out your power in Northern Virginia, NOVEC’s Storm Center map can help you see what’s happening nearby. Colored diamonds show reported outages, while a helmet icon marks crew assignments. If you haven’t reported your outage, it might not appear on the map yet. NOVEC is a member-owned electric cooperative based in Manassas, serving more than 180,000 homes and businesses. Here’s how to report outages, understand restoration priorities, prepare for summer storms, and choose backup power.
NOVEC Power Outage Map: What It Shows and How to Report
You can find the NOVEC outage map in its Storm Center without logging in. The map shows outages that have been reported, along with information about their size and crew assignments. If your home loses power, report it even if you can already see an outage in your neighborhood.
How to read the NOVEC outage map
NOVEC uses colored diamonds to show how many customers an outage affects. A pink overlay outlines its service territory, and a helmet icon identifies crew assignments.
Map symbol | Customers affected |
Green diamond | 10 or fewer |
Blue diamond | 11 to 100 |
Yellow diamond | 101 to 500 |
Orange diamond | 501 or more |
Pink overlay | NOVEC service territory |
Helmet icon | Crew assignment |
You can search by ZIP code or street address, select a county, and save preferred views through the map's "My Maps" feature. Select an outage icon to see its details, including the reported cause when that information is available. Don't assume the closest marker covers your home. An outage may affect a different section of the distribution system, even when the affected area looks close on the map. NOVEC says the cause field can take up to 15 minutes to appear after an outage is reported, and crews update it as they learn more.
The fastest ways to report a NOVEC outage
NOVEC recommends reporting an outage through SmartHub online for the quickest response. You can also use its mobile app, call the outage line, or text if you've already enrolled in the service.
Method | What NOVEC says |
Online | "For the quickest response, please report your outage online by logging into your NOVEC SmartHub account" (novec.smarthub.coop) |
App | Report "through the SmartHub mobile app" |
Phone | "the outage reporting number 703-335-0500" (NOVEC's Outage FAQs) |
Text | "Text the keyword #OUT to 85700 or text STATUS to receive updates on a reported outage." Sign up first by texting NOVECOUT to 85700; your cell number must be on your account profile, and NOVEC says to allow 30 days for texting to be enabled. Limit two numbers per account. |
Don't. NOVEC's Contact page says: "Please do not attempt to report an outage via email." |
Text reporting requires a little advance work. First, text NOVECOUT to 85700 to enroll. Your cell number must be listed on your NOVEC account, and the cooperative says activation can take up to 30 days. Each account can have up to two numbers enrolled. If your outage doesn't appear on the map, it may not have been reported yet. Submit your report, then give the system up to 15 minutes to display it.
Where NOVEC serves customers
NOVEC's service territory covers about 651 square miles and more than 7,800 miles of power lines. Its published service-area summary, updated October 11, 2026, lists the following customer counts.
Area | Customers served |
Prince William | 89,236 |
Loudoun | 46,467 |
Fairfax | 27,668 |
Fauquier | 7,113 |
Manassas Park | 6,328 |
Stafford | 5,982 |
Clarke | 24 |
NOVEC total (as shown) | 182,824 |
NOVEC also serves the Town of Clifton, and outages can affect one neighborhood while nearby homes stay powered. Treat every downed wire as live and notify NOVEC. If its lines are busy, contact your local fire or rescue department. Call 911 if there's immediate danger. Check the National Weather Service's Baltimore/Washington office for local alerts. Once you've reported the outage, list the devices you need to keep running so you can choose the right backup power.
Essential Loads or Heavy Home Circuits? Matching Backup Power to a NOVEC Outage
A phone, Wi-Fi router, and LED lamps need far less power than a sump pump or central AC. Start by listing what you need to run and for how long. While a portable power station handles basic plug-in devices, an installed home battery paired with a compatible panel backs up selected home circuits and switches them over automatically. For whole-home resilience during severe Northern Virginia outages, the EcoFlow TITAN series provides split-phase backup matched to your critical circuits.
Load list:
Start by checking the labels on your appliances, chargers, and equipment. The examples below show which devices matter during a NOVEC outage and where each type of backup may fit.
Device | Why it matters in a NOVEC outage | Wattage and source | Which product fits |
Wi-Fi router and modem | Keeps SmartHub, the outage map, and alerts reachable | Check the power adapter label | EcoFlow TITAN |
Phones and laptop | Useful for reporting, texting #OUT, and work calls | Check the charger label | EcoFlow TITAN |
LED lamps | Safer than candles | Check the bulb or lamp label | EcoFlow TITAN |
Refrigerator | NOVEC advises against keeping perishables above 40°F for more than two hours | Check your refrigerator label. Running watts can be higher when the compressor starts | EcoFlow TITAN for dedicated circuit backup (approx. 103 hours), or EcoFlow TITAN Plus for full-panel circuit backup |
Sump pump | Important for homes that rely on one during storms | Check the pump's rated voltage and amperage | EcoFlow TITAN for dedicated circuit backup (approx. 3.8 hours run time), or EcoFlow TITAN Plus for heavy storm circuit backup |
Central AC (3-ton) | A hot-weather outage leaves the house without cooling | Requires 240V split-phase connection and high starting capacity | EcoFlow TITAN Plus only, and only as described in EcoFlow's defined test scenario |
During a NOVEC outage, the EcoFlow TITAN (5kWh base) delivers 7.2kW of split-phase power to back up essential home circuits like refrigeration, sump pumps, communication, and lighting. For higher-demand households requiring up to 10kW output with solar boost to start a 3-ton central AC while keeping essentials running, the EcoFlow TITAN Plus paired with Smart Home Panel 10 provides an expanded whole-home solution.
For households with larger energy demands or high-power 240V appliances, the EcoFlow TITAN Plus can power selected home circuits, including compatible heavy loads like central AC, when paired with Smart Home Panel 10 and professionally installed.
The EcoFlow TITAN provides robust split-phase home backup for critical circuits during an outage. For higher solar charging capacity and heavy 240V loads, the EcoFlow TITAN Plus works with Smart Home Panel 10 to keep your entire household protected. If anyone in your household relies on medical equipment, make a separate backup plan with their doctor and equipment supplier.
Estimated runtime (labeled estimate)
Runtime depends on the load, usable battery energy, conversion losses, and how the connected devices operate. The estimates below use 85% of rated capacity as a planning assumption. That factor is not an EcoFlow performance claim, and actual results will vary.
Steady load | EcoFlow TITAN, 5kWh base (5,000Wh × 0.85 = 4,250Wh) | EcoFlow TITAN Plus, expanded 15kWh (15,000Wh × 0.85 = 12,750Wh) |
150W | about 28.3 hours | about 85 hours |
500W | about 8.5 hours | about 25.5 hours |
1,000W | about 4.2 hours | about 12.8 hours |
These estimates use rated capacity × 0.85 ÷ load in watts and assume steady power use. For example, EcoFlow TITAN could run a refrigerator averaging 41W for roughly 103 hours, but actual runtime depends on compressor cycles, temperature, and door openings. A Zoeller M53 sump pump draws about 1,116W while running, giving the unit an estimated 3.8 hours of continuous operation. Since pumps cycle and require extra startup power, check compatibility first. For home battery systems, ask a qualified electrician to assess your circuits and essential loads.
How NOVEC Decides Whose Power Comes Back First
NOVEC restores power by fixing substations and transmission lines first, followed by areas serving the most customers. Smaller outages and individual homes may take longer to restore. During major outages, crews assess the damage, and tree crews may need to clear hazards before repairs begin. Restoration estimates can change as crews reach the site and learn more.
"My neighbor has power, but I don't."
Two homes on the same street may receive power through different lines or equipment. Your neighbor's lights coming back on doesn't necessarily mean the repair crew has missed your house. NOVEC says the problem could involve a fuse, transformer, or your individual service line. Check your home's breaker panel first. If you can't identify the issue, report the outage or call 703-335-0500.
Why crews leave the neighborhood
A crew may be working on a feeder that supplies another area, securing downed wires before repairs, or waiting for specialized equipment. Storm damage can also affect several points along the same line, so fixing one visible problem may not restore service to every home. Keep checking the official outage map and any available restoration estimates. A crew's location doesn't always show which homes will receive power next.
Medical needs
NOVEC doesn't guarantee priority restoration for customers with medical needs, and severe outages can take hours or days to repair. If someone in your household relies on powered medical equipment, ask their doctor and equipment supplier about a suitable backup power source and an alternative plan if the outage lasts too long. Check the equipment's power requirements and backup procedures before an emergency.
Derechos, Pop-Up Thunderstorms, and Heavy Snow: Why NOVEC Lines Go Down
NOVEC maintains more than 7,800 miles of power lines across a 651-square-mile service territory. Wind, falling tree limbs, and heavy snow can damage that infrastructure, sometimes across several counties at once. The National Weather Service office in Sterling, Virginia, covers the region and documents the storms that can affect Northern Virginia.
Summer thunderstorms
Summer thunderstorms can bring damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes to Northern Virginia. NOAA defines a severe thunderstorm as one producing hail at least 1 inch wide, winds above 57.5 mph, or a tornado. A watch means severe weather is possible; a warning means danger is occurring or imminent. Check National Weather Service alerts as storms approach.
The June 29, 2012, derecho
The 2012 derecho swept across the Mid-Atlantic at nearly 60 mph, damaging trees and power infrastructure. Wind gusts reached 71 mph at Dulles and 70 mph at Reagan National Airport. The National Weather Service reports that the storm killed at least 20 people.
Heavy snow
According to the National Weather Service, the January 22–23, 2016, blizzard brought 30.0 inches of snow to Chantilly 2 N, 36.0 inches to Ashburn 1 NNE, and 36.3 inches to Round Hill 1 WNW. A separate observation at Round Hill 2.7 WSW recorded 36.6 inches. Heavy, wet snow can pull branches onto power lines, while blocked roads can delay repairs, making winter outage preparation essential.
Storm type | What the federal record says | Where to watch |
Severe thunderstorm | 1-inch hail or gusts over 57.5 mph, or a tornado (NOAA NSSL) | Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings at weather.gov/lwx |
Derecho | June 29, 2012: gusts of 71 mph at Dulles and 70 mph at Reagan National (NWS) | Same office; derechos give little lead time, so alerts should already be on |
Heavy snow | January 22 to 23, 2016: 30 to 36.3 inches at listed Northern Virginia spots (NWS) | Winter Storm Watches and Warnings at weather.gov/lwx |
Trees near your service drop and overhead lines deserve attention before storm season. If you see a damaged line or a fallen tree near electrical equipment, keep your distance and report the hazard. Don't try to move branches that may be touching a wire.
Searching "NOVA power outage"? Find the right Northern Virginia map
NOVEC isn't the only electric utility serving Northern Virginia. Two neighbors can live a short distance apart and have different providers, each with its own outage map and reporting process. Check your electric bill before reporting an outage.
Electric utility | Official outage map | Outage reporting and notes |
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) | Report outages online or call 703-335-0500. | |
Dominion Energy Virginia | Check outage locations and restoration updates. Report outages through Dominion's official website or app. | |
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) | REC serves portions of 22 Virginia counties. Check your electricity bill to confirm your provider. Call 800-552-3904 to report an outage. |
Prince William County's Office of Emergency Management lists both NOVEC and Dominion among the electric utilities serving the county. REC serves portions of 22 Virginia counties, so check your bill to confirm whether it serves your address. Searches for "nova power outage" can also bring up Nova Scotia Power in Canada. That's a different utility and won't provide outage information for Northern Virginia. Start with the provider named on your bill, then use its official reporting tools.
Your NOVEC Outage Checklist, Season by Season
A little preparation now can save time when the power goes out. NOVEC's text alerts can take up to 30 days to activate, so set them up before storm season.
Before summer storm season
Set up outage alerts: Add your cell number to your NOVEC account and text NOVECOUT to 85700. Sign in to SmartHub to make sure you can access your account.
Check your backup power: Charge your power station and make sure it's ready to run your essential devices.
Test your sump pump: If your basement relies on a sump pump, check that it works and consider a battery backup with a 12-volt marine battery, a water-pressure backup, or a safely operated generator.
During an outage
Report the outage: Use SmartHub, its mobile app, the phone line, or text if you've enrolled. Check the outage map after about 15 minutes.
Keep food cold: Leave refrigerator and freezer doors closed. NOVEC says a full freezer can keep food frozen for 36 to 48 hours, while a half-full freezer can last about 24 hours. Perishable food shouldn't remain above 40°F for more than two hours.
Use generators safely: Never run a portable generator indoors or in an attached garage, even with doors open. Always operate it outdoors, at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows, or vents, with exhaust directed away from the building to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Connect appliances with outdoor-rated extension cords. A generator connected to home wiring must be properly installed by an electrician to prevent dangerous backfeed that can endanger utility crews. Most portable generators cannot run central AC or a heat pump.
Before winter
Keep flashlights, spare batteries, and warm blankets where you can find them.
Recharge backup batteries after each use.
Keep your gas tank full before severe winter weather, learn how to release your garage door manually, and treat dark traffic signals as four-way stops.
Snow and freezing temperatures can make an outage harder to manage, especially when your furnace blower stops working. Follow this guide to prepare for winter power outages and keep your household ready for cold nights without power.
Conclusion
NOVEC's Storm Center map shows reported outages, their size, and crew assignments. You can report a problem through SmartHub, the mobile app, 703-335-0500, or text #OUT to 85700 after enrolling. NOVEC restores major substations and lines before moving to smaller outages and individual services, so restoration times can vary. Sign up for outage texts now and make a list of the equipment you need to keep running. The EcoFlow TITAN can cover essential home circuits during prolonged outages, while the EcoFlow TITAN Plus with Smart Home Panel 10 offers higher output and expanded solar capacity for heavy 240V appliances—an installed option to discuss with a qualified electrician.
FAQs
Where is the NOVEC power outage map?
The map is in the NOVEC Storm Center. Colored diamonds show the number of customers affected, while helmet icons mark crew assignments.
How do I report a NOVEC outage?
NOVEC recommends reporting online through SmartHub for the quickest response. You can also use the SmartHub app, call 703-335-0500, or text #OUT to 85700 after enrolling in the text service.
Why isn't my outage on the NOVEC map?
NOVEC says the outage may not have been reported yet. After you submit a report, allow up to 15 minutes for it to appear on the map.
Does NOVEC give priority to customers with medical needs?
NOVEC's outage guidance doesn't promise priority restoration for medical needs. Customers who rely on powered medical equipment should make a backup plan with their doctor and equipment supplier because severe repairs can take hours or days.
Is "NOVA power" the same as NOVEC?
No. Northern Virginia has several electric utilities, including NOVEC, Dominion Energy Virginia, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. "Nova power outage" searches can also return Nova Scotia Power in Canada. Check your electric bill to find the correct provider and outage map.
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