Method and apparatus for communicating power distribution event and location

A method of using a device to provide information about a power distribution system that includes a power line that carries a nominal voltage and that provides operating power to the device, comprising:

• monitoring a voltage of the power line;
• detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold value and wherein the voltage reduction drops to substantially zero;
• determining that the voltage remains below the threshold value for a predetermined time period;
• and
• transmitting a first notification if the voltage remains below the threshold value for a predetermined time period.

A device for providing information about a power outage of a power distribution system that includes a plurality of power lines, the device comprising:

• a circuit configured to measure a voltage a power line;
• a power supply configured to receive power from the power line;
• a non-volatile memory;
• a processor in communication with said non-volatile memory and said circuit and configured to receive voltage data based on measurements of the voltage from said circuit;
• a communication interface in communication with said processor;
• wherein said processor is configured to process voltage data to detect a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period;
• wherein said processor is configured to store first information of the voltage reduction in said non-volatile memory;
• and
• wherein said processor is configured to cause said communication interface to transmit a notification to a remote computer system in response to detecting a voltage reduction below the threshold voltage for the predetermined time period.