Farmers RECC provides outage update for Monday

UPDATE: 1/26 1 p.m.:

GLASGOW, Ky. -Farmers RECC crews continue to make progress on Monday.

As of 1 p.m., the company stated it had around 2,900 members without service, down from over 6,000 at the height of the outage.

“While this progress is encouraging, hazardous conditions—including ice, snow, fallen trees, and difficult terrain—continue to slow the restoration process and make the work especially challenging,” the company stated.

Farmers RECC says one other major concern Monday and Tuesday is the extreme cold temperatures entering the region. The company stated the safety of its members and employees is its “top priority.”

Members who rely on oxygen or other medical equipment or those who do not have an alternate heat source are strongly encouraged to make alternative plans during extended outages, including using the county’s warming centers, Farmers RECC said.

The company stated members should be prepared for complete power restoration to take until at least Wednesday, barring complications.

However, the company says it expects to make good progress on Monday with an additional 30 mutual aid crew members from the following:

• Clinton County Electric Cooperative
• Coles-Moultrie Cooperative
• Menard Electric Cooperative
• Monroe County Electric Cooperative
• Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative
• Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation
• Inter-County Energy
• 5 Star Electric
• Townsend Tree Service
• Glasgow Electric Plant Board

For real-time outage information, customers can visit farmersrecc.com/outagecenter.

Due to the complexity of the restoration and the number of crews involved, Farmers RECC says it is unable to provide exact crew locations or future dispatch details.

In addition, the company is reminding members to stay away from downed power lines.

If customers are using a generator, Farmers RECC says to ensure it is running in a well-ventilated area. For more generator tips, visit farmersrecc.com/outagecenter.

Farmers RECC says to allow its employees to focus solely on restoration efforts, its offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 27.

UPDATE: 1/25 8:30 a.m.:

GLASGOW, Ky. – As of Sunday morning, reported outages on Farmers RECC lines currently stand at 6,100, according to the company.

Farmers RECC crews are working to restore service to members following a destructive winter storm that swept through the area, toppling trees and taking down power lines.

“Reported outages along our lines currently stand at approximately 6,100,” said Caralyne Pennington, director of member and public communications for Farmers RECC. “We will restore service to everyone as quickly as possible and all Farmers RECC personnel are working today. We prioritize by making repairs that will restore power to the most members at one time.”

With the magnitude of this outage event, restoration could take multiple days. Members who have electricity dependent medical or other equipment may want to make alternate plans.

Crews are working at full strength to make repairs and restore power to all our members. Farmers RECC asks for members to be patient as crews work to restore service. Because of the widespread nature of this event across multiple states, mutual aid assistance is severely limited.

Those experiencing a power outage are reminded to turn off or unplug all electric equipment and appliances to prevent excessive load on power lines when they are reenergized. Gradually restart necessary appliances over a period of 30 minutes after power is restored for several minutes.

Pennington also offers these reminders to members:

• Stay off roads, if possible, as road conditions are poor. Disabled vehicles can slow
  the electric restoration process significantly.
• Don’t go near downed wires or damaged electric equipment. Touching energized
  wires can lead to injuries and death. If you see downed wires, call Farmers RECC
  at 270-651-2191 immediately.
•  If you use a generator, never run it inside your home or garage. Some produce
  carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly. Make sure your generator is
  installed with a transfer switch to keep it from backfeeding into the
  cooperative’s distribution system.
• Visit Farmers RECC’s Outage Center at farmersrecc.com/outagecenter for
  comprehensive information on coping with power outages and safety.
• Members can report power outages via our Mobile App, our Member Center or by
  calling us at 270-651-2191.

Farmers RECC’s service territory currently has two confirmed broken poles, however damage assessments will continue throughout the day today. Farmers RECC crews are dealing with extremely adverse conditions this morning, including slick roads and difficulty accessing infrastructure, in addition to the cold weather and continued precipitation.

Farmers RECC asks for members to be patient as crews work to restore service. Due to the conditions, restoration could be lengthy in some areas. Farmers RECC reminds its members to stay away from fallen power lines. Always assume that any line is conducting electricity. For current outage information, check the Farmers RECC’s Outage Viewer at www.farmersrecc.com and follow us on social media
or updates.

Farmers RECC says power restoration progress can be tracked at Farmers RECC’s Outage Center at farmersrecc.com/outagecenter.