Business owners and residents fed up with frequent power outages in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood

August 13, 2026 - 22:55

Several business owners along the main commercial strip said the outages have hit at least once a week since June, sometimes lasting for hours. The blackouts disrupt refrigeration, knock out point-of-sale systems, and force shops to close early, costing them hundreds of dollars in lost sales each time. One restaurant owner said he has thrown out spoiled food on three separate occasions this month alone.

Residents in the surrounding blocks report similar problems. Many say the power flickers or dies completely during the late afternoon, just as people return home from work. Some have lost appliances and electronics, while others rely on generators just to keep medical devices running. The unpredictability has made it hard to plan anything, from cooking dinner to charging a phone.

Cleveland Public Power has acknowledged the issue but has not given a clear timeline for a permanent fix. Crews have been sent out for temporary repairs, but the same spots keep failing. Neighbors say they are tired of being told to wait and want a real solution before the next heat wave hits. For now, they are left bracing for the next sudden blackout, unsure when the lights will stay on for good.