Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, customerservice@novec.com
A major Dominion Virginia Power transmission line has failed, resulting in power outages to more than 20,000 NOVEC customers. According to Larry Shaffer, vice president, Operations, the transmission line failed just before 7 a.m. The Dominion line delivers power to 8 NOVEC substations in Prince William and Stafford counties. Dominion Virginia Power is aware of the outage and is working to restore the transmission line to service, but is currently unable to provide an estimated restoration time.
In addition to the transmission line outage, NOVEC is reporting outages across its service area due to icing on trees and power lines. The major damage from the powerful ice storm is located in Prince William and Stafford counties. While damage assessments continue at this hour, NOVEC crews and contractors are in the field making repairs. Additional crews from out-of-state have been brought in to assist with service restoration.
Customers who have a power outage can report the outage by calling 1-888-335-0500 and following the system prompts. Outages can also be reported on line and via text message. Visit NOVEC.com and search for outage information for more details.
The following tips will help to keep you safe during a power outage:
- Treat every power line as if it were a "live" wire and dangerous.
- Stay away from downed wires or trees lying on wires.
- Notify NOVEC immediately should you observe a downed wire. If NOVEC phone lines are busy, contact your local fire or rescue department.
- Take necessary precautions to keep others away from the area until qualified personnel arrive on the scene.
- If a power line falls on a vehicle, stay away and avoid making contact. Report the incident to NOVEC or the police immediately. If someone is inside the car, have the person stay there until professional help arrives.
A particular word of caution is issued to customers who have purchased portable generators. Proper installation by an electrician is required. They should be installed at a site with proper ventilation, never inside a building or garage. Improper installation not only jeopardizes your home, it also endangers NOVEC line technicians who work to restore power to your home. If the generator is not properly installed, the electricity it creates will flow back onto the power lines. This creates a life-threatening condition because the line technicians believe the line is de-energized.
