Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) crews worked throughout the night following Friday’s severe storms, restoring power to more than 13,000 members since outages began.
As of 10:00 a.m., approximately 500 members remain without power. Crews continue working across the affected areas and will remain on the job until service is restored to every member affected by the storms.
“Our crews made tremendous progress overnight, restoring power to thousands of members while navigating downed trees, debris and significant damage in some areas,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations. “For the members who remain without power this morning, that work continues. Our crews are focused on each remaining repair and will keep going until everyone is restored.”
Friday’s storms brought down trees, power lines and utility poles in several areas of REC’s service territory. Some of the remaining outages involve more time-intensive repairs, including broken poles and locations where crews must clear debris before safely reaching damaged equipment.
Replacing a broken utility pole can take two to four hours. Crews must safely remove the damaged pole and equipment, set a new pole, then reconnect power lines, transformers and other equipment before power can be restored.
With scattered storms possible again Saturday, REC encourages members to take time this morning to prepare, stay weather aware and be ready in case additional outages occur. Storm preparation information is available at myrec.coop/stormprep.
Members who are without power should report their outage:
- Online at myrec.coop/out
- Through the MyREC SmartHub app
- By texting OUT to 63273
- By calling 800-552-3904
Members should stay away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized.
REC appreciates members’ continued patience and support of crews as restoration work continues.
