Communities lose power for a number of reasons—a downed power line due to weather or an accident, line maintenance, or a forced power outage by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). During wildfire season, PG&E may shut off power to high-risk areas in Northern California and we want you to be prepared.
How does this affect your Volcano Communications Group service?
Volcano Communications Group’s (VCG) services (telephone, internet and TV) require electricity to operate. If PG&E shuts down the grid, Volcano Communications Group uses generators and battery back-ups to keep services operational. Keeping the telephone system active is our top priority to maintain emergency communications to first responders, law enforcement, and E-991. Here’s what you need to know:
Telephone
If you have a corded phone (like the old princess phones) that is plugged into a live telephone jack, you will be able to place and receive calls during a power outage, because we provide the power. Cordless phones that require A/C power to operate or charge the phone, will not work unless you have some form of backup power source. Therefore we recommend that each household keep on hand a corded phone for emergency use. They are inexpensive and easy to find.
Internet
Internet is technically not affected by power outages, but your ability to connect to the internet is. While VCG powers the internet connection leading into your home, the various components inside your home require A/C power. These components include modems, routers, Wi-Fi devices, computers, smart phones, tablets, TV sets, streaming devices, and some medical and security devices. Although VCG will do everything we can to keep power to your NID (Network Interface Device-typically located outside your home) you will need some form of backup power for your devices.
Television
Your Volcano Vision (cable) TV operates largely on a separate network, some portions of which are backed up by generators. Most have battery backup as well, though these cannot sustain extended outages. Depending on the scope and duration of the outage, there may be more TV areas out of PG&E power than we have generators to cover. In the event that VCG is unable to provide power to these locations, TV service will be interrupted until power can be restored. Just like internet service, you must provide power in the home for your set-top box, TV set, and any in-line media converters that may be in your home. Be aware however, that if your internet is working, you can use your Watch TV Everywhere (WTVE) account and stream the channels provided in your package. For more information on WTVE click or tap here.
