[snip]

If you have a "smart meter" you can just look at that. If it has a
display, the power is back.

My meter isn't a "smart meter" but it does have a LCD that can be used
that way. I suppose some people don't want to keep going outside to look.

Here, a neighbor across the street has a green porch light he keeps on
all the time.

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"I put out these milk and cookies as a sacrifice. If Thou wishest me to
eat them, please give me a sign by doing absolutely nothing.
MMMMmmmm..." [Homer Simpson]