Some states have earthquakes, others tornadoes — in Arizona, we get monsoons. While some monsoons are brief and cause minimal trouble, others can inflict significant damage and disrupt business operations, including power outages. When this happens, it’s reassuring to know that help is available. At SRP, dedicated Strategic Energy Managers (SEM) are there to guide companies through outages and help them prepare for future monsoon-related power problems.

From ‘nonsoon’ to monsoon: 2025 will likely see more storms

This year, Arizona is expected to see a rise in monsoons. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), monsoon season is projected to “lean above normal.” 

For businesses that depend on uninterrupted services, the prospect of monsoon-related outages can be daunting. But SRP is at the ready to ensure its business partners remain informed and supported at all times.

“SRP prepares year-round for the monsoon season and summer season,” says Pedro Rios, Valued Business Customer Energy Manager (SEM) for SRP. “We do planned maintenance and have monitoring devices in place that will alert us to any interruptions in the SRP grid.”

Rios explains that alerts to the grid prompt an immediate response to safely restore power. At the same time, businesses are kept up to date on all phases of a power outage until power is restored. 

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Keeping businesses continuously prepared and informed

When signing up for an SRP account, business customers receive:

  • eNotes: SRP sends text and email alerts to customers notifying them of an outage, its location, the reason for the outage and an estimated restoration time. “These [messages] are updated as the outage goes on, and customers receive a notification when the outage is over and power is back on,” Rios explains.
  • Business Outage Planning Checklist: Customers can access a full checklist of business continuity plans, equipment safety, emergency and safety protocols, and employee and customer preparedness for monsoon-related outages at srpnet.com/outagetraining. 
  • Monsoon Season Webinar: Just over 10 minutes, this SRP webinar instructs businesses how to proactively plan for monsoon season and beyond.  
  • Assigned Strategic Energy Manager (SEM): Each business has a dedicated SEM to contact regarding all SRP-related energy needs. They help companies optimize energy usage, reduce costs, improve energy efficiency and prepare and remain informed about weather-related outages.

“If there’s an outage, your SEM can report it on your behalf and relay key information, like the estimated restoration time and, if available, the cause,” Rios says. “Our goal is always to restore power within two hours. If it extends beyond that, outage eNotes will keep you up to date with the latest timeline.” 

Stay safe during outages

Safety is among SRP’s top priorities. Downed power lines are a major safety concern, and often, individuals are unsure about what to do if they encounter one. 

“We always advise SRP customers that if they’re near or around those power lines, to always assume that they’re live and stay away,” Rios says. “The guidance is a minimum of 100 feet of distance between you and the power line; think of staying ‘two semi trucks’ distance away and call 911 when it is safe to do so.” 

“It’s recommended that you shuffle away from a downed power line, rather than walking or running away, to reduce the risk of shock,” Rios adds.

Routinely practice monsoon safety and preparedness

One of the best ways to ensure your business is monsoon-ready is to practice safety and emergency protocols throughout the year, such as assigning an emergency and safety point of contact, taking inventory of equipment and applying backup storage when needed, as examples.

“SRP recommends [companies] practice going through an outage,” Rios says. “If you can practice it, even if it’s once or twice a year, then when it does come that time, it will be almost second nature as opposed to a panic reaction.”

To learn more about how to protect your business during monsoon season and how SRP can help prepare and support your company, visit: https://www.srpnet.com/customer-service/safety/outages-storm