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Top 5 Causes of Power Outages
in the Southwest Chicago Suburbs

Contact Armor ⮕

Power outages hit the Southwest Chicago suburbs every year, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for hours, and in some cases, multiple days. Whether you live in New Lenox, Frankfort, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Mokena, or anywhere in between, you’ve probably experienced that sudden click… followed by darkness. Understanding the most common causes of power outages can help homeowners prepare, and more importantly, avoid the stress, damage, and disruption that come with losing electricity.

Below are the top five reasons outages happen in our area and why more families are choosing Armor Generator for reliable standby power.

1. Severe Weather (The #1 Cause)

The Southwest suburbs deal with it all, heavy thunderstorms, high winds, snowstorms, ice, once-in-a-decade blizzards, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles. Strong winds knock branches into power lines, lightning can strike transformers, and heavy snow or ice can weigh down trees and utility equipment.

Why it matters: Weather-related outages are unpredictable and can last the longest.

Stay protected: A standby generator keeps your heat, sump pump, fridge, and essential circuits running during weather emergencies.

2. Aging Power Infrastructure

Chicagoland’s grid is old. In many neighborhoods, the electrical infrastructure was installed decades ago. As demand grows and equipment ages, outages become more frequent, especially during peak-use months.

Typical signs:
+ Flickering lights
+ Random brief outages
+ Brownouts during heat waves

Generators help flatten the stress:
When the grid struggles, your generator automatically supports your home’s needs without interruption.

3. Car Accidents & Utility Pole Damage

You’d be surprised how many outages come from something as simple as a vehicle slide-off or collision. One broken pole can cut power for hundreds of homes around the Southwest suburbs.

This is especially common on:
+ 80th Ave
+ US-30 / Lincoln Hwy
+ Harlem
+ La Grange Rd
+ Wolf Rd
Even a minor incident can mean several hours without power.

4. Planned Maintenance & Equipment Failure

Utility companies regularly shut off power for upgrades or repairs. They try to notify customers, but not always. And sometimes equipment simply fails before maintenance can be performed.

These outages can happen:
+ Overnight
+ Early morning
+ During extreme temps
+ On weekends
A generator eliminates the inconvenience and protects your home even when the grid is temporarily down.

5. Overloaded Systems & High Demand

Heatwaves in July and August, holiday lighting in December, air conditioners, space heaters, and electric appliances running at the same time. High demand can cause transformers to overheat or trip, leaving entire blocks without power.

Homes with basements, sump pumps, and refrigerated medications are especially at risk during these sudden outages.

Briggs & Stratton outdoor generator installed on a concrete pad surrounded by gravel, with a yellow protective pole to the left.

Why Homeowners Choose Armor Generator

A power outage doesn't have to mean panic, stress, or damage. Armor Generator provides:

Professional standby generator installations
Maintenance and repairs
Battery warmers, cold-weather kits, and monitoring
Reliable service across the Southwest Chicago suburbs

When the power goes out—your generator comes on automatically. No extension cords, no waiting, no hassle.

Contact Armor ⮕

Contact Armor Generator