Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA – Computer screens have lit up in the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s Systems Operations Center since Feb. 5, 2010, to alert crews that an electric transformer has blown or another tree heavy with snow has fallen on a power line and cut off electricity to NOVEC customers.
Snow hit the region Jan. 30 and Feb. 2, but nearly 400 outage reports have sent crews out into two and a half feet of snow that started blanketing the Mid-Atlantic region last Friday. As of Tuesday evening, Feb. 9, NOVEC crews have restored power to more than 45,000 customers, and are working on the last 132 outage reports affecting approximately 385 customers.
“We’re very concerned about customers who are cold and in the dark,” says Mike Curtis, vice president of public relations. “It’s almost like a rescue mission, with tree cutters, NOVEC line technicians, and VDOT crews working together to reach people still without power. We’re working around the clock to restore service to them as soon as possible. We won’t stop until everyone is reconnected.”
According to NOVEC Operations Center Supervisor Larry Shaffer, repairs to the remaining residential outages are particularly difficult because of limited access for repair trucks. “If our crews can’t drive into problem places, they have to walk through deep snow carrying heavy equipment and chain saws,” explains Shaffer. “Then, they have to find the lines that are down, cut and remove trees, and rebuild damaged power poles and lines. That takes a lot of time.”
Customers can get an idea of the challenges repair crews face by viewing the photos at http://www.novec.com/Customer_Services/Outage_Information/Storm-Photos.cfm.
With the snow and wind storm reaching Northern Virginia tonight, NOVEC is preparing for additional outages. Allen Barbee, NOVEC vice president of electric systems operations, says, “We will continue focusing on restoring service to customers who lost power in the Feb. 5-6 storm, even if new outages occur during this new storm.”
NOVEC recommends that customers have contingency plans in case of extended outages, including alternative sleeping accommodations if necessary. In addition, all Northern Virginians should have fresh batteries for flashlights and radios, plenty of food and water, necessary medicines, pet food, baby supplies, blankets, and firewood for wood-burning fireplaces. NOVEC reminds customers to only use electric generators that have been installed outside by licensed electricians for the safety of homeowners and NOVEC line technicians.
Barbee warns everyone to stay away from downed power lines. “Call NOVEC immediately at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 if you see a power line down. People who are clearing snow from roofs and driveways should also check for downed lines before working.”
Customers can visit www.novec.com and click on “Outage Map” to get an estimate for when power will be restored in their neighborhoods. They can click on “Report an Outage” on the Web site or call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to inform NOVEC they are without power.
