Commonwealth Edison is making it easier for customers to report outages and respond with updates through text messages.

The electric company is providing a free text messaging program, powered by AGENT511 technology, allowing customers to text outage reports rather than calling or reporting them online. ComEd will text back to acknowledge the report and updates with their progress to restore power.

iPhone-6 Plus White ComedTo sign up for the program, customers can subscribe on the ComEd website with their account number and selecting “Opt In.” Once registered, customers can text “OUT” to report an outage or “HELP” for more information about an outage to 26633.

via NBC 5 Chicago