It can be frustrating when your lights blink, especially if it happens during a storm. But in many c...

It can be frustrating when your lights blink, especially if it happens during a storm. But in many cases, that brief interruption is actually a sign that Clay Electric's system is working exactly as it's designed to.

Our electric system is protected by devices that constantly monitor power lines for problems. When a tree branch, lightning, wildlife or another temporary issue causes a fault, those devices quickly interrupt the flow of electricity to protect the system and the equipment connected to it.

If the fault clears almost immediately, power is automatically restored within seconds. Members experience this as a brief "blink" rather than an extended outage.

In many cases, that momentary interruption prevents what could have become a much longer outage. Instead of leaving an entire section of the system without power until crews arrive, the protective equipment safely tests the line and restores service once conditions allow.

During Florida's summer storm season, members may notice more blinks as the system responds to lightning, wind and vegetation contacting power lines. While they can be inconvenient, these brief interruptions often help improve overall system reliability by limiting the impact of temporary faults.

When should I report it?

An occasional blink, particularly during stormy weather, is generally expected and doesn't require a report.

However, if you experience repeated blinks on clear days, frequent momentary outages or notice other electrical issues at your home, please let us know. Those repeated interruptions can help us identify equipment that may need maintenance or repair before a larger outage occurs.

Members can report service concerns through MyClayElectric or by contacting Member Services. While no one enjoys losing power, even for a second, that quick blink is often a sign that the electric system is protecting itself and helping keep longer outages from affecting more members.