MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette Board of Light and Power (MBLP) is launching their new outage texting notification feature, for MLBP customers.
This new feature is a way for MBLP customers to get information about power outages, suspected outages, and planned outages in the area. The new text alert is not only for the MBLP to get in contact with it’s customers, it’s also made so that customers can get in contact with the MBLP.
“A lot of the conversations that we’ve had during outages is people saying hey I wasn’t able to get through, we tried calling,” says Matthew Zavislak, the Administrative Services Manager of Marquette Board of Light and Power. “That’s been something we’ve been working on, and this should alleviate a lot of that congestion during major outages.”
This new feature is a fast and easy way to get in contact with the MBLP, and customers are encouraged to use this new text stream to alert MBLP of power outages in the area.
“With this, we are just increasing the ways in which you can communicate with us,” says Zavislak.
By the end of the week MBLP will be sending out a welcome text, letting their customers know that this new feature is now available for them.
If you are a MBLP customer, and do not receive a message by the end of the week, you may have an invalid phone number on file. To update your accounts phone number you can use the smart hub app or contact the MBLP offices to update your information and start receiving text alerts.
“If somebody chooses to not utilize the text message feature, there will be an option to opt out,” says Zavislak.
These notifications are not mandatory, they are just a way to help the MBLP have better communication with the public. If you do choose to opt out of the text messaging feature, you are still able to report an outage on the smart hub, or call into the office.
This text stream is not for more major issues such as a down power line, for larger issues the MBLP request that it be reported on their app the smart hub, or call their office (906) 228-0311.