(Mayfield, Ky.) June 22, 2019 – Power was restored to about 7,365 West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative members overnight and multiple crews continue working to restore service to the 5,035 members still without service this morning. Repairs are expected to continue throughout the day.
Visiting lineworkers are arriving to relieve the West Kentucky RECC crews and keep the restoration effort moving forward. “We are grateful to our fellow cooperatives for providing these critical resources,” said West Kentucky RECC President & CEO David Smart.
“As we expected, these repairs are complex and time-consuming,” said Smart. “We apologize for the discomfort and inconveniences our members are experiencing and ask for their continued patience and support as we complete repairs.” Smart added that he does expect most repairs will be completed today.
Members with damage to their home’s electrical service (weatherhead) should arrange for an electrician to make the necessary repairs. All repairs must pass inspection by a licensed electrical inspector before they can be reconnected.
The outages were caused by powerful thunderstorms that passed through Western Kentucky early Friday evening. Nearly 12,400 members were without power immediately after the storms passed. Most of damage to West Kentucky RECC’s lines and poles is reportedly the result of high winds, uprooted trees and broken limbs.
Here are reminders for families dealing with power outages:
If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY and call West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative at 1-877-495-7322 to report the problem.
If you or someone in your household has health issues that require electrically-powered devices, consider going to stay with family or friends who have electricity or move to a hotel if possible.
For information about food safety go to www.foodsafety.gov.
Turn off your air conditioner.
Turn off computers, televisions and other digital equipment and appliances.
When power comes back on, slowly switch your appliances and lights back on and gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas. DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
Members can track the status of West Kentucky RECC power outages on the website at www.wkrecc.com.