The electricity in the region has been volatile

[alpacinou]

I want to describe a situation when electricity goes out and comes back in frequently. Can I use "volatile"?

Is this okay?

The electricity in the region has been volatile. It goes out for prolonged periods of time quite frequently during the day. For two hours we have it then for three hours we don't. Then it comes back and after a while it goes back again.

 

[5jj]

I'd use erratic rather than volatile.

 

[emsr2d2]

You could use "temperamental" or "unpredictable". Your final phrase should be "... then it goes off again".

 

[Skrej]

'Unreliable' or 'inconsistent' are additional possibilities.

edit: 'Volatile' to me suggests that it has unregulated surges and spikes in voltage, rather than just going in and out. It's always on, but sometimes reaches dangerous levels.