We are closely monitoring the winter storm expected to impact our service territory and we encourage everyone to take steps now to prepare for hazardous conditions and extended, multi-day power outages.
Heavy snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can place significant stress on power lines and equipment. These same conditions, combined with icy roads, fallen trees, and limited accessibility, may also slow restoration efforts. While our crews will be ready to respond as quickly as conditions allow, restoration will be dependent upon which areas our crews can access safely.
How you can prepare now:
- If you or a loved one relies on medical equipment, please ensure you have a backup power plan in place.
- Assemble a well-stocked outage kit, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, water, medications, and phone chargers.
- Plan for safe backup heat sources and never use grills, generators, or fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Make plans for pets and livestock, ensuring they have shelter, food, and water.
- If you are on a well, fill jugs with water for drinking, sanitation, and livestock.
- Charge devices and power banks ahead of the storm.
- View more ways to prepare at www.mycvec.com.
Essential Notes on Power Restoration:
- Power restoration begins at the substation, which serves large portions of our system.
- Crews then repair three-phase main lines, restoring electricity to the greatest number of members first.
- Once main lines are energized, crews move to single-phase lines and individual service taps.
- Outage numbers often drop quickly at first, as hundreds of members are restored at once.
- As crews reach individual outages, progress may appear slower, since the same amount of work may restore power to only one or two members.
- During major events, the Estimated Restoration Time (ERT) is suspended as widespread damage makes it difficult provide an accurate time. The outage map will say "Assessing Conditions" even though our crews are in the field and actively working to restore service to members.
- Learn more about the steps to power restoration at www.mycvec.com.
If outages occur, conditions may make it unsafe or impossible for crews to reach some areas immediately. Staying off the roads, conserving phone battery, and avoiding downed power lines helps protect both you and those working to restore service.
We are proud to serve this community, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are in this together, and by preparing ahead of time and looking out for one another, we can weather this storm as safely as possible.
We will continue to share updates as conditions evolve. Thank you for being proactive, patient, and part our Cooperative family.
Stay safe,
Your CVEC Team
