Indiana Michigan Power customers can now receive text message updates during power outages.

Alerts can be sent through text or email depending on preference.

It's part of a new American Electric Power program that started Monday.

"If they're at home they'd know that there power was out. But, sometimes if you're at work, you would get an update if your power goes out, and then maybe you can make other arrangements, and if you're already home, the alerts simply keep you updated," Indiana Michigan Power Communications Representative Erica Putt said.

The program also sends alerts throughout power outages with updates.