Crews continued to tackle devastating damage in REC's western territory today, replacing poles, setting transformers and rebuilding electric lines battered by last week's 36-hour wind storm.
That portion of REC's territory saw the strongest winds, some gusting to 78 mph. As of 5:30 p.m., 2,200 members remained without power, and REC plans to have all service restored by the end of the day tomorrow.
REC thanks the more than 200 linemen and field workers from 26 other electric cooperatives and seven electric contractors who came here this week to help repair damage and restore service. REC maintains mutual aid agreements with electric cooperatives to secure help in advance of potential major outages.
The mutual aid crews came from six different states, but they all brought the same strong work ethic and positive attitude. If not for the dedication of those men who traveled to help REC restore service after the catastrophic wind storm, restoration efforts would have continued into next week.
The crews will continue their work overnight and through tomorrow, concluding what has been one of the most monumental storm restorations in REC's history. By the time they complete their work, crews will have replaced more than 300 poles, some of them by hand.
REC provides electric service to over 165,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
