Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Ice Storm

Click there to view pictures of the March 3, 2008 Ice storm.

On the evening of March 3rd the temperature began dropping and ice began to build up on power lines. The cooperative experienced problems the next morning when wind began whipping the ice laden lines.

March 4th - Around 5:00 a.m. outage calls began. Line employees responded and office employees came to the office to answer phones. Two contractor crews were also called to assist with outages.

The outages were widespread with broken poles and trees through lines. Additionally, there were several 'individual' outages.

Early that morning the decision was made to call for additional help. A total of 46 additional employees were requested to help with power restoration.

At 11:00 a.m. we knew that we had 4,000 members without power.

March 5th - Power restoration has proven to be both difficult and time consuming with widespread outages in all three counties. As the ice buildup on lines and trees increased, the wind picked up Tuesday evening making the lines 'gallop' and caused more outages. As of Wednesday morning the cooperative reported that 2,000 members were without power. As crews restored power in some areas, more outages have occurred so the numbers of members without power has fluctuated. As temperatures increased on Wednesday, ice melting off the lines caused the lines to bounce into one another which caused additional outages.

March 6th-a.m. - The cooperative continues to make significant progress in its efforts to restore power to members affected by the recent ice storm with an estimated 700 members remaining without power in Marion, Jefferson and Washington Counties.

All of the cooperative's employees as well as an additional 75 line and forestry personnel are working to restore power to those affected. Director of Operations Steve Thomas said that it would most likely be Friday before power would be restored to all locations that could safely be reconnected.

Manager Marcia Scott expressed her appreciation to the membership for their understanding and patience as well as to all the personnel who are working to restore power to members.

Scott said, "Safety is a prime concern for the cooperative - both the safety of our members and our employees." Scott urged members to stay away from any downed power lines and to report any they see to the cooperative.

March 6th-p.m. Press Release - Progress has been made today in restoring outages following the recent ice storm. As power was restored to many of the 'feeder' lines today linemen discovered additional problems. However, this afternoon Director of Operations Steve Thomas said that the number of outages had been reduced from 2000 yesterday morning to 400 this afternoon. Damage closest to substations is taken care of first, then damage on main lines, followed by 'feeder' lines. When service is restored to those areas crews are then able to concentrate on individual outages.

Manager Scott said, "All of the cooperative's employees as well as an additional 75 line and forestry personnel are working to restore power to those affected by this ice storm. We have made significant progress today, but we are just now able concentrate on outages which affect smaller lines and individuals. We have found work following this ice storm to be particularly time consuming."

Manager Marcia Scott again emphasized that safety is of utmost importance to the cooperative and urged members to stay away from any downed power lines. If anyone sees a downed power line they should call to report it to the cooperative.

March 7th - Service has been restored to all members except those who must make repairs before it is safe to reconnect power. We thank EVERYONE for the patience and understanding during this difficult week. Crews continue with 'clean up' that is needed.

Updates will be posted here as additional information becomes available.




				Ice Storm Click there to view pictures of the March 3, 2008 Ice storm. On the evening of March 3rd the temperature began dropping and ice began to build up on power lines. The cooperative experienced problems the next morning when wind began whipping the ice laden lines. March 4th - Around 5:00 a.m. outage calls began. Line employees responded and office employees came to the office to answer phones. Two contractor crews were also called to assist with outages. The outages were widespread with broken poles and trees through lines. Additionally, there were several 'individual' outages. Early that morning the decision was made to call for additional help. A total of 46 additional employees were requested to help with power restoration. At 11:00 a.m. we knew that we had 4,000 members without power. March 5th - Power restoration has proven to be both difficult and time consuming with widespread outages in all three counties. As the ice buildup on lines and trees increased, the wind picked up Tuesday evening making the lines 'gallop' and caused more outages. As of Wednesday morning the cooperative reported that 2,000 members were without power. As crews restored power in some areas, more outages have occurred so the numbers of members without power has fluctuated. As temperatures increased on Wednesday, ice melting off the lines caused the lines to bounce into one another which caused additional outages. March 6th-a.m. - The cooperative continues to make significant progress in its efforts to restore power to members affected by the recent ice storm with an estimated 700 members remaining without power in Marion, Jefferson and Washington Counties. All of the cooperative's employees as well as an additional 75 line and forestry personnel are working to restore power to those affected. Director of Operations Steve Thomas said that it would most likely be Friday before power would be restored to all locations that could safely be reconnected. Manager Marcia Scott expressed her appreciation to the membership for their understanding and patience as well as to all the personnel who are working to restore power to members. Scott said, "Safety is a prime concern for the cooperative - both the safety of our members and our employees." Scott urged members to stay away from any downed power lines and to report any they see to the cooperative. March 6th-p.m. Press Release - Progress has been made today in restoring outages following the recent ice storm. As power was restored to many of the 'feeder' lines today linemen discovered additional problems. However, this afternoon Director of Operations Steve Thomas said that the number of outages had been reduced from 2000 yesterday morning to 400 this afternoon. Damage closest to substations is taken care of first, then damage on main lines, followed by 'feeder' lines. When service is restored to those areas crews are then able to concentrate on individual outages. Manager Scott said, "All of the cooperative's employees as well as an additional 75 line and forestry personnel are working to restore power to those affected by this ice storm. We have made significant progress today, but we are just now able concentrate on outages which affect smaller lines and individuals. We have found work following this ice storm to be particularly time consuming." Manager Marcia Scott again emphasized that safety is of utmost importance to the cooperative and urged members to stay away from any downed power lines. If anyone sees a downed power line they should call to report it to the cooperative. March 7th - Service has been restored to all members except those who must make repairs before it is safe to reconnect power. We thank EVERYONE for the patience and understanding during this difficult week. Crews continue with 'clean up' that is needed. Updates will be posted here as additional information becomes available.