Flathead Electric introduces automatic power outage text messaging

Flathead Electric Cooperative members can now receive a text message when the power goes out at their home or business.

It’s a service the co-op is implementing and members with a current cell phone number on file will soon receive a text message opting them in to automatic outage text messages.

The message will come from the co-op's dedicated outage phone number at (406) 751-4449. This number will only be used to text members when an outage occurs on a meter or account associated with their cell phone number.

“It makes sense to reach out directly to members by text message when they’re impacted by power outages, which are inevitable when living in a heavily treed area like ours,” said Katie

Pfennigs, community relations manager for the co-op. “Text messages are the best way to stay updated — people aren’t hanging out on their laptops during a power outage, they’re on their phones.

To prepare for this change, Co-op staff urge members to confirm their cell phone numbers ASAP. Members can call the Co-op at (406) 751-4483 or can self-confirm via their online account or app. Detailed instructions on confirming, deleting, and updating cell phone numbers are available at flatheadelectric.com/textME.

The co-op provides a list of things to know about the new service: Members will receive automatic outage information updates via text as available; All cell phone numbers that are on file with the co-op in association with an account or meter will be opted in to outage text messages; members will want to confirm that their cell number is correct as soon as possible because they may not be able to sign up during an outage; and if a member decides to opt out later of automatic outage text messaging, they can do so by replying QUIT to any message at any time.

To learn more about automatic outage text messaging, please visit flatheadelectric.com/textME.