Honestly, knowing who to call for a utility outage in zip code 90001 isn’t just about saving time or getting your lights back on—it’s about feeling a little more in control in those unpredictable moments. Whether you’re troubleshooting a power outage, a water leak, or a gas smell, having the right contact info can mean the difference between a quick fix and a long, stressful wait. Let’s unravel who to call and what to do, step by step, so you’re never left in the dark (literally or figuratively).
What Counts as a Utility Outage in 90001?
Before you grab your phone and start dialing, let’s get clear on what counts as a utility outage. In zip code 90001—which covers parts of South Central LA—this usually means interruptions to essential services like electricity, water, or natural gas. Some folks might lump in internet or cable outages, but those are handled by a different crew altogether (think more “tech support on hold,” less “hardhat with a wrench”).
Here’s the thing: utility outage doesn’t just mean a total blackout. Sometimes you’ll notice flickering lights, super low water pressure, or maybe a weird hissing sound near your gas meter. Even if everything hasn’t stopped completely, these signs matter. It’s better to call and double-check than risk damage, wasted water, or even a safety hazard.
In a nutshell, if you lose access to something your home absolutely needs to function—electricity, running water, heat—call it in. Don’t wait around hoping the problem will “sync” itself or magically reset. That’s the job of the utility provider, not your remote control (which, admit it, you’ve probably tried once or twice).
Who Handles Electricity Outages in 90001?
When the power cuts out in zip code 90001, the main company to call is Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). It might sound like they just handle water, but in most of LA—including your block—they’re also the ones getting those electrons humming along your wires.
You might be wondering, “Shouldn’t I check my fuse box first?” Absolutely! Before you call, it’s smart to:
- Check your circuit breaker or fuse box to be sure it’s not just your house
- See if your neighbors’ lights are also out (this helps LADWP know how big the problem is)
- Unplug sensitive electronics—just in case power comes back with a surge
If it’s definitely a neighborhood outage, here’s LADWP’s 24/7 report line:
LADWP Power Outage Hotline: 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397)
You can also report online through their [LADWP Outage Center](https://www.ladwp.com/outages) or by using their mobile app if you still have cell data. Don’t stress if you’re not sure what to say—they’re used to beginners and will guide you through some simple troubleshooting steps.
What About Water Outages in 90001?
Water outages feel especially inconvenient—there’s nothing quite like turning a tap and hearing… silence or the gasp of air bubbles. In 90001, water issues are also handled by LADWP. Yes, the same folks as for electric. It keeps things easy, at least!
Here’s what to check before you call:
- Test both hot and cold taps (sometimes only one is affected)
- Ask neighbors if they’re having issues—which helps you “pair” the problem to your block or building
- Look for visible leaks, standing water, or odd puddles near your property
If it seems like the entire area is affected, don’t wait—call that same LADWP hotline or use their reporting tools. Especially if there’s water flowing uncontrollably (burst main, broken hydrant), they’ll send a team out quickly.
Let me explain: reporting early isn’t just for your own comfort. Big leaks or outages can waste a ton of water, and in LA’s climate, that’s nothing to shrug at. Plus, you’ll usually get real-time updates if you provide contact info.
Who To Call for Gas Outages or Smells in 90001?
Now, if you ever smell gas—think “rotten eggs” or a weird sulfur scent—this is a whole different ballgame. This is an emergency, even if your stove seems to work or nothing seems “broken.” Forget about trying to reset anything yourself, and do NOT flip light switches or use your remote to “diagnose” the issue. Leave the house and call right away.
The utility company for natural gas in 90001 is Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
Their emergency number is:
SoCalGas Emergency Gas Line: 1-800-427-2200 (24 hours, toll-free)
If it’s a routine outage (like scheduled maintenance and you got a notice in the mail), you can call their standard customer service line: 1-800-427-2200. But honestly, any time you even suspect a leak, always use the emergency line. Safety comes first—let the pros do the troubleshooting and repairs.
Quick tip: If you hear a hissing sound from the meter or piping, evacuate right away. Don’t try to “code” the issue or turn the gas back on yourself. Utility crews are trained for this exact scenario.
How to Report and Track an Outage
The process of reporting an outage feels a lot like syncing up a universal remote—you press some buttons, describe the problem, and wait to see if it “pairs” you with a solution. But there are steps that’ll smooth things out.
Here’s what helps the utility company help you faster:
- Have your address and zip code (90001) ready
- Mention any patterns (“Everyone on my street’s out,” “Saw a tree fall on a wire,” etc.)
- Report online if you can—many outages are logged faster that way
- Ask for a tracking number or estimated repair time
LADWP and SoCalGas both let you check status updates online, so if your phone’s battery is holding out, bookmark their outage maps. Sometimes you’ll see how many are affected or how long until things reset. The more info you give, the better they can troubleshoot, prioritize repairs, and keep you in the loop.
Streetlights, Traffic Signals, and Other Utility Issues
Utility outages aren’t always just about your personal comfort—they can affect whole streets or neighborhoods. If you see a streetlight flickering (or out), or a traffic signal blank, those are also handled by city services. It’s not quite as urgent as a house blackout, but reporting them makes your neighborhood safer—especially at night or on busy corners.
For streetlight outages in 90001, contact:
City of LA Streetlight Outage: 3-1-1 or [MyLA311 online portal](https://myla311.lacity.org)
Traffic signal issues use the same 3-1-1 system. If you spot downed power lines, exposed wiring, or flooding in the street, call 9-1-1 immediately—don’t try to “reset” or approach the issue yourself.
What If It’s Not a Utility Company Issue?
Sometimes, outages aren’t the fault of the big utility providers. Maybe a contractor cut a line, or your apartment building’s fuse blew. If only your unit or building is affected—and neighbors have power—it’s time to call your landlord or property manager. They’re responsible for troubleshooting and getting a repair service involved.
If you own your home and you’ve done all the basics (checked your breaker, verified the account is paid up), you might need an electrician or plumber to reset things safely. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if a utility company can’t find the issue on their end.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Utility company problem | Outage affects multiple homes, full streets, or you observed city work. |
| Private property issue | Just your home/apt affected, breakers keep tripping, or single appliance issues. |
Not sure who to call? Ask your neighbors—that “reset” of community often reveals if you’re dealing with a bigger issue.
Staying Prepared for Utility Outages in 90001
Let’s be real—utility outages in 90001 happen, and sometimes at the worst possible moment. While there’s no “sync” button to prevent them completely, you can stay ready:
- Keep flashlights and spare batteries handy (don’t rely on your phone alone)
- Write down outage hotlines on paper in case your devices die
- Consider a battery backup for your internet router or important medical devices
- Store a few gallons of drinking water and some non-perishable snacks—just in case repairs take a while
If you rely on medical equipment that needs power, make sure you’re registered with your utility provider for priority restoration. And remember, reporting outages early helps everyone—neighbors, utility crews, even emergency services—respond faster and smarter.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stay in the Dark—Call the Right Utility Company
Living in zip code 90001, you’ve got a lot on your plate already—don’t let a utility outage add unnecessary stress. Knowing exactly who to call for power, water, or gas problems is like having a trusty remote for your whole house: a tap or two, and you’re back in business (well, eventually). LADWP handles both electricity and water, SoCalGas is in charge of natural gas, and the city steps in for streetlights, signals, or anything out in the open.
The best move? Stay calm, double-check the basics, and don’t hesitate to report anything that feels off. Outages happen, but a quick, informed call can make a frustrating situation a lot more manageable. And if nothing else, you’ll always have a good story for the next time you’re chatting over coffee—”Remember that time the whole block went dark and I was the first to call it in?”
