5 Critical Things Alexandria, VA Residents Must Know About Dominion Energy Power Outages Today

The City of Alexandria, Virginia, remains vigilant against power disruptions, with the latest data from utility trackers showing minimal current outages as of December 17, 2025. However, the region is highly susceptible to sudden and widespread power loss, most recently demonstrated by a fierce thunderstorm that swept through the area, causing chaos and leaving thousands without electricity. This guide breaks down the essential information every Alexandria resident needs to understand the causes, response, and preparedness for the next inevitable power outage event.

The primary electricity provider for Alexandria is Dominion Energy, which serves a vast majority of customers in Alexandria County, Arlington, and much of Fairfax County. Understanding how to interact with Dominion Energy's system—from reporting an outage to checking restoration estimates—is the single most crucial step in minimizing the disruption to your home or business.

The Anatomy of a Recent Alexandria Power Outage: The Thunderstorm Case Study

Power outages in Northern Virginia are rarely random; they are typically the direct result of severe weather events or equipment failure. The recent intense thunderstorm that struck Alexandria serves as a perfect, high-impact case study for why residents lose power.

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The Primary Causes of Alexandria Power Loss

While the current outage count is low, the potential for disruption is always high. The most common culprits behind widespread power outages in the Alexandria, VA area include:

• Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, heavy winds, and lightning strikes are the number one cause. Lightning can directly strike transmission line towers, utility poles, wires, and transformers, causing immediate failure.
• Tree and Limb Contact: High winds from storms often cause large tree limbs or entire trees to fall onto overhead power lines, which is what occurred during the recent thunderstorm event. A downed power pole behind a Harris Teeter was identified as a major source of widespread outages in that incident.
• Vehicle Accidents: Cars striking utility poles can cause localized but significant outages, often requiring extensive repair work by utility crews.
• Equipment Failure: Although less common, issues with transformers, substations, or aging infrastructure can lead to unexpected power loss.
• Excavation Damage: Construction or digging activities that accidentally strike underground power lines can result in major outages and dangerous situations.

When a major event like the recent thunderstorm hits, the City of Alexandria’s government and emergency services work in tandem with Dominion Energy to manage the crisis, addressing non-power-related issues like debris removal and road closures while the utility focuses on power restoration.

How to Report and Track Your Dominion Energy Outage Status

When the lights go out, the first step is to report the outage, even if you believe your neighbor already has. Dominion Energy uses this data to map the extent of the damage and prioritize repairs. The utility company provides several modern, efficient ways to check the status and report a new outage.

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Essential Dominion Energy Contact and Tracking Methods

Dominion Energy's service area includes the majority of Alexandria, and they provide multiple channels for customers to get real-time information and report issues.

• Online Outage Map: The most visual and up-to-date tool is the official Dominion Energy outage map. This map is updated approximately every 15 minutes and allows users to zoom in on specific neighborhoods in Alexandria County to see the estimated restoration time (ETR) for their area.
• Report by Phone: You can call Dominion Energy directly at 866-366-4357 to report an outage or check the status of a previously reported one.
• Mobile App and Website: Customers can report outages and check restoration times through the company's dedicated mobile application or their official website.
• Sign Up for Alerts: The City of Alexandria also recommends signing up for text and email alerts to receive general updates regarding severe weather and city-wide response efforts.

Crucial Safety Tip: If you see downed power lines, you must treat them as energized and extremely dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and call Dominion Energy immediately at 866-366-4357 to report the location. Never attempt to move or drive over a downed line.

Emergency Preparedness: Building Your Alexandria Outage Kit

Given the frequency of severe weather in Northern Virginia, proactive preparation is the best defense against prolonged inconvenience and potential danger. An effective emergency preparedness kit should be a year-round staple in every Alexandria home.

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5 Essential Items for Your Power Outage Emergency Kit

A well-stocked kit ensures you can comfortably manage a power loss lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, especially during extreme heat or cold events.

1. Non-Perishable Food and Water: Stock at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items that do not require cooking.
2. Lighting and Communication: Include flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio. Cell phones should be fully charged before a predicted storm, and a portable power bank is essential for recharging devices.
3. First-Aid Supplies: A comprehensive first-aid kit, along with a week’s supply of any necessary prescription medications.
4. Cash and Important Documents: ATMs and credit card machines will not work during a widespread outage, so keep a small amount of cash on hand. Store copies of important documents (insurance, ID) in a waterproof container.
5. Alternative Heat/Cooling Sources: Depending on the season, have blankets, sleeping bags, or battery-powered fans ready. Never use charcoal grills or gas generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

By staying informed through the official Dominion Energy channels and taking proactive steps to prepare, Alexandria residents can significantly reduce the stress and safety risks associated with the next major power outage that inevitably strikes the Commonwealth of Virginia.