PRECO Shares Damage Assessment Information
Posted: September 29, 2022 at 5:27 pm
PrintThursday, September 29, 2022
Wauchula, Fla. – Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction across Peace River Electric Cooperative’s territory, dragging electric outages in its wake. Damage assessments began this morning and are ongoing. Initial reports indicate that massive damage has occurred to our electric distribution system. Restoration crews are mobilizing to make repairs.
Areas with the most damage are littered with broken poles, downed lines and massive amounts of debris. Many roads are impassable due to fallen trees and rising flood waters.
“This is going to be a long, tough road to recovery for our co-op and the community,” explains CEO Randy Shaw. “Due to the extreme damage to our system, we encourage consumer-members to prepare for outages lasting multiple days.”
Hundreds of lineworkers from electric cooperatives in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Georgia will assist with our restoration efforts.
“Please do not approach line crews as they work,” adds Shaw. “Any distraction could prove dangerous to them and you.”
Many poles and power lines will be on the ground until repairs are complete. PRECO reminds everyone to stay away from downed power lines. Downed lines may be energized and can cause extreme injury or death.
PRECO will follow the steps below in restoring power:
Step 1: Transmission Lines. These supply power to one or more substations.
Step 2: Substations. A substation serves thousands of homes and businesses.
Step 3: Main Distribution Lines. Each line serves a portion of members from each substation.
Step 4: Tap Lines. These serve smaller groups of members from the main distribution lines.
Step 5: Individual Services. These lines serve individual homes and buildings.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to restore power to our community. For updates, find us on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.PRECO.coop.
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