REC crews and contractors are responding to storm-related outages as a result of ice, heavy rain and scattered storms overnight and this morning.
As of 8:30 a.m., more than 26,000 members were without power as a result of over 300 separate outage events. The counties currently experiencing the most significant impacts are Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Albemarle, Warren and Orange. In these areas, ice not only damaged power lines, but also caused branches and trees to fall onto electrical equipment and breaking utility poles. As crews travel for outage restoration, they are fighting dense fog, cutting trees from roadways, and navigating treacherous situations as trees continue to fall.
“Safety is REC’s top priority. Crews and contractors will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore all outages even as continued precipitation and difficult-to-reach rights of way hinder their efforts,” said Casey Hollins, REC’s Managing Director – Communications and Public relations. “REC has plenty of materials such as poles, wires and transformers that might be needed to make repairs, and all available line crews, tree contractors and other critical teams are assessing outage conditions and responding to outage locations.”
REC’s Dispatch Center is fully staffed and, as always, will work around the clock to ensure the safe and efficient movement of crews.
Key safety reminders:
- Critical safety reminder: Always stay clear of any downed power line or anything that might be in contact with the power line. Report downed lines to REC and call 911.
- How to report an outage: Visit myrec.coop/out, use the MyREC SmartHub app or text OUT to 63273.
- How to report visible damage or downed power lines: Call 1-800-552-3904
- Track outage restoration efforts in REC’s: myrec.coop/outagecenter.
- If your backup power plan includes using a generator, be sure to follow all safety guidelines including:
- Isolate your generator from REC’s power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
- If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a generator transfer switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
- Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
- Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
