BPU Responds to Extensive Storm Damage, Restoration Ongoing

BPU Responds to Extensive Storm Damage, Restoration Ongoing

Published on July 17, 2025

Press Release Source: Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
Release Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025

(Kansas City, KS)-The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is actively responding to widespread outages across Wyandotte County following last night's severe storms, which caused extensive damage to power lines, poles, and critical infrastructure throughout the community.

Due to the severity of the damage, power restoration will be a multi-day effort in specific areas, meaning some customers will remain without power for days-not just hours. Crews are working around the clock to assess damage, replace downed poles and lines, and rebuild sections of the electric system so power can be safely restored to every impacted home and business.

Because each outage area varies in size and complexity, BPU cannot provide specific restoration time estimates for individual homes or neighborhoods. The focus remains on restoring power as safely and efficiently as possible.

What Customers Should Do

• Report your outage if you haven't already. Call 913-573-9522 and leave your address. Dispatch monitors calls in real time to log outages for crew response.
• Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed power lines. Report them immediately to 911 and to BPU 913-573-9522.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to help food last longer.
• Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them when power is restored.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents, families with young children, or anyone with medical needs.

Cooling Centers

In partnership with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County's Emergency Management Team, designated cooling centers are available for residents impacted by prolonged outages and increasing temperatures.

• For a list of available cooling centers, please visit the Unified Government's Emergency Management page at: https://www.wycokck.org/Departments/Emergency-Management

Life-Support Customers

Customers who rely on life-support or critical medical equipment are urged to contact BPU to register for the Life Support Program, which helps prioritize restoration whenever possible. More information is available at: https://www.bpu.com/ForHome/ElectricService/LifeSupportProgram.aspx

BPU recognizes the disruptive and stressful impact of prolonged outages can be and is committed to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible.

BPU will continue to provide regular updates on restoration efforts through its website, social media channels, and local media outlets.

For more information or outage updates, visit https://www.bpu.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, Director of Communications and Marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or (913) 573-9049.

About BPU

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is a community-owned, nonprofit utility providing reliable electric and water services to approximately 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Established in 1909, BPU remains dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable, and affordable utilities while reinvesting in the community it serves. Guided by a mission to enhance residents' quality of life, BPU focuses on transparency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit https://www.bpu.com

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