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What to Do During a Power Outage in Greece

George Spyrou · Last updated June 2026

Power outages in Greece can range from brief 10-minute interruptions to extended blackouts lasting 12 hours or more, especially during summer heatwaves, autumn storms, or in island and mountainous communities with older infrastructure. Our community data from Outage.gr shows that the average Greek urban resident experiences four to six reported power cuts per year — meaning this is a routine event to prepare for, not a rare emergency. This guide walks you through exactly what to do at each stage: immediately, during extended outages, and when power finally returns. It also covers preparation steps you can take now, before the next outage happens.

Immediate Steps (First 5 Minutes)

  • Check if it's just your home — Look outside. Are your neighbors' lights and street lights on? If only your home is dark, check your circuit breaker panel before calling DEDDIE.
  • Report the outage — Call DEDDIE at 11500 (free, 24/7) and submit a report on Outage.gr. Both create documentation and inform your community.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics — Computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and audio equipment can be destroyed by voltage surges when power returns. Unplug them now — before restoration.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer closed — A full freezer holds safe temperature for 48 hours if unopened. A half-full freezer lasts about 24 hours. A refrigerator stays safe for about 4 hours.
  • Use flashlights, not candles — Candles are a fire hazard, especially in a dark environment with children or pets.

During Extended Outages (2+ Hours)

  • Conserve phone battery — Lower screen brightness to minimum, close background apps, turn off Wi-Fi if you have mobile data, and keep your phone charged with a power bank.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbours — Elderly residents, those with young children, and anyone with powered medical equipment may need immediate assistance. An extended summer outage can be life-threatening for vulnerable people.
  • Food safety decisions — Discard perishable food (meat, dairy, eggs, cooked food) that has been above 4°C for more than two hours. Do not taste test — when in doubt, throw it out.
  • Winter cold — Close off unused rooms and gather in one space to conserve body heat. Layer clothing. Do not use gas cookers for heating — carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
  • Summer heat — Move to the coolest room. Hydrate frequently. For elderly family members or those with heart conditions, consider going to a public air-conditioned space.
  • Water preparation — If you have an electric water pump or pressure booster, fill containers while pressure is still available. Electric water heaters will not produce hot water.
  • Charge backup devices — Connect any UPS systems and power banks to whatever backup power you have available.

When Power Returns

  • Wait 5 minutes before reconnecting anything — Voltage is often unstable in the first minutes after grid restoration. Immediate reconnection risks surge damage.
  • Reconnect one device at a time — Starting with the most critical. Simultaneous reconnection of all equipment can overload the circuit and cause a secondary event.
  • Inspect for physical damage — Look for any scorch marks, melted plastic, burning smell, or tripped breakers. If an appliance shows damage signs, do not use it until inspected by an electrician.
  • Check the refrigerator temperature — If the outage lasted more than 4 hours, verify temperature before consuming refrigerated food.
  • File a compensation claim if appliances were damaged — You have 20 working days from the outage to claim up to €600 from DEDDIE under RAE Decision 1151A/2019. Act immediately — see our compensation guide.
  • Mark the outage as resolved on Outage.gr — This updates the community map and contributes to restoration time statistics that benefit everyone.

Build Your Home Outage Kit Now

  • LED flashlights (2 minimum) and fresh batteries
  • Headlamp — more practical than a handheld torch for extended use
  • Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) — charge monthly
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM radio — for news when mobile networks are congested
  • First aid kit with essential medications
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food (no cooking required)
  • Three litres of bottled water per person per day for three days
  • Cash — ATMs may not work during extended outages
  • Blankets in winter, battery-operated fan in summer
  • Written copy of key phone numbers: DEDDIE 11500, local doctor, family
  • Surge protectors on all sensitive electronic circuits

Special Considerations: Medical Equipment

If you or anyone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment — oxygen concentrators, home dialysis machines, CPAP devices, insulin refrigeration, or powered mobility aids — register this with DEDDIE in advance. DEDDIE maintains a registry of medically dependent customers and is required to: - Prioritise their restoration - Provide personal advance notice of scheduled outages - Offer guidance on backup power solutions To register, contact DEDDIE at 11500 or visit a local DEDDIE service centre. Bring documentation of the medical need from your doctor. Also speak with your doctor and equipment supplier now about what backup plans exist for your specific equipment. Some equipment suppliers offer battery backup units. Some medications have specific safe storage periods without refrigeration. Know your window — before the outage happens.

Why Reporting Matters

Every report on Outage.gr contributes to a community-verified, timestamped record of the outage. When your neighbours confirm your report, the aggregate evidence shows DEDDIE and regulators the true scope of reliability failures — data that official fault reporting alone does not capture. This community data has three practical uses: it supports individual compensation claims (your report timestamp is independent evidence), it builds the city-level statistics that show average restoration times (helping future residents know what to expect), and it creates the collective pressure for infrastructure investment in areas with chronic reliability problems. Reporting is anonymous, takes under 30 seconds, and has no downside. Make it a habit.