Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) Clear Most Outages and Brace for Another Winter Storm

News provided by

Georgia EMC

Feb 20, 2015, 05:05 ET

TUCKER, Ga., Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- EMCs restored service to 4,900 customers overnight who lost power following a winter storm that wreaked havoc on power lines and power poles in northeast Georgia.

As of 5 a.m., 2,600 customers in remote and isolated areas remain without service but should have power by close of business today. Since Monday night, EMCs have restored service to nearly 134,000 customers.

EMCs want to thank customers for their patience and understanding during a sometimes extended restoration process. This storm was especially challenging due to the extent of damage to power lines and power poles, the widespread and isolated location of outages, and thousands of downed trees which had to be cleared and removed before work could begin.

With the threat of another storm, EMC representatives are monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for the possibility of another significant event. They have emergency plans in place to address a variety of potential problems including snow accumulation, high winds, freezing rain and ice forming on power lines.

EMC employees and contract crews are preparing trucks with emergency equipment and necessary materials. Each cooperative has an ample supply of poles, wire, connectors, transformers and other supplies frequently used in the restoration process.

In addition, EMCs encourage customers to make the following preparations:

  • Have non-perishable foods on hand such as canned goods, powdered milk, peanut butter, bread and crackers
  • Have a manual can opener
  • Have blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes, including hats
  • Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and extra batteries
  • For those with fireplaces, have kindling and a good supply of wood
  • For those who plan to use a generator, follow manufacturer's operating instructions and all safety guidelines to protect utility workers from serious or fatal injuries

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state's 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia's customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, half of Georgia's population, across 73 percent of the state's land area.

SOURCE Georgia EMC

Related Links

http://www.georgiaemc.com

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