Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, communications@novec.com
MANASSAS, Va., Sunday, March 4, 2:30 p.m. -- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative crews are working around the clock to restore power to approximately 3,800 customers after winds from Winter Storm Riley caused power outages for more than 47,000 customers on Friday, March 2, and hundreds more on March 3.
NOVEC crews work to remove trees and repair power lines in Prince William County on Sunday, March 4. Photo by Matt Robertson
"This was the worst storm in years," explains Dan Swingle, NOVEC vice president of system operations. "Those winds with near-hurricane strength blew countless trees on power lines, broke poles and cross arms, and damaged transformers. In some areas, our crews are working with VDOT to remove trees blocking roads so our utility trucks can get to outage locations."
Swingle notes that after crews remove trees and broken equipment, they have to install new equipment, reconnect lines, and then reenergize those lines. "It's time-intensive, and when you're dealing with chainsaws and electricity, it's dangerous. We know customers are anxious to have power restored, but we ask for their patience. We won't stop working until every customer can turn on their lights."
Mutual-aid crews from Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee are working with NOVEC crews at more than 300 outage locations in NOVEC's six-county service territory.
What to do if a Power Outage Occurs
- Either call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500, follow the text-message instructions, or report an outage at www.novec.com. Have your account number ready.
- Warning: Stay away from downed power lines and poles and the area around them. Be aware that even metal storm debris hiding a live downed power line can shock or electrocute anyone who comes in contact with it. Notify NOVEC immediately about down lines at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.
- Use flashlights, lanterns, or battery-powered candles instead of real candles. If you use real candles, keep them away from children and flammable household furnishings.
- Open freezers and refrigerators only when necessary. Put needed perishable food in coolers with ice or ice packs.
- Warning: Only use a portable generator, camp stove, or charcoal grill outdoors to prevent creating deadly carbon-monoxide fumes indoors. Hire a professional to install a whole-house generator because an incorrectly installed generator could back-feed electricity onto the grid and seriously harm line techs who are trying to restore service.
- After power is restored, please wait five to ten minutes before turning on major appliances and heating systems.
Learn more about storm preparation and outages at www.novec.com/outageinfo.
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