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News
12/19/2009
Heavy Snow Brings Down Power Lines
A heavy, wet snowfall that started on Friday afternoon caused extensive power outages across the Holston Electric Cooperative system. Outages were reported as the wet snow accumulated on tree limbs which broke from the weight and fell onto power lines. Several lines were torn down and cross arms broken when entire trees fell from the heavy weight and the saturated ground. Residents in communities throughout Holston Electric’s 525-square-mile service area reported as much as 3 – 5 inches of snow.
At the height of the outages more than 10,000 Holston EC customers were without power. Four main breakers from the Rogersville substation were out which left many businesses, restaurants and residents without power. Breakers were also out at the Persia and Church Hill substations. Crews which had been on the job since 8 a.m. Friday worked throughout the night to clear trees and rebuild the distribution lines. Office phone lines were answered throughout the night by Holston EC employees.
As of 7:00 a.m. Saturday, Holston EC line crews and two contract crews are continuing efforts to restore power to an estimated 1,600 customers. Two additional contract crews are expected to arrive Saturday morning to assist in restoring power. Neighboring power systems have been in contact with Holston EC general manager Larry Elkins and have reported they are also experiencing extensive outages. Assistance has been requested from systems in the Crossville and Cleveland areas.
“We’re got several areas on our system that have extensive damage to the distribution lines and our crews continue to make progress. However, we’re still receiving calls this morning with new outages being reported and damage assessment is continuing. With the wide spread snowfall we may not have all lines repaired and power restored this weekend,” Elkins stated. “I urge folks to have a backup plan to put in place just in case they’re still without power this evening. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 30’s throughout the day and we hope folks can arrange to stay with friends or families who do have power until all repairs are completed.”
The safety of our employees and customers is our first priority and we urge folks to stay clear of any downed or low-hanging power lines. These lines should be considered energized and deadly if contacted. Outages or damage reports can be called in at 272-8821 or 235-6811 where a dispatcher is always available to receive reports.