Eleven cooperatives send crews to storm-damaged Kentucky, Virginia
Eleven Indiana electric cooperatives sent crews and equipment to assist with the power restoration efforts in Kentucky and Virginia after ice storms moved through the states.
Twelve electric cooperative lineworkers were dispatched to Licking Valley Rural Electric Cooperative in West Liberty, Kentucky, to assist in the power recovery effort after more than half of the electric distribution cooperative’s consumers were left without electricity. The responding crews represent three of Indiana’s electric cooperatives: Hendricks Power Cooperative (Avon), Marshall County REMC (Plymouth), and South Central Indiana REMC (Martinsville).
An additional 26 electric cooperative lineworkers are assisting Southside Electric Cooperative in Crewe, Virginia, with its power restoration efforts. The cooperative’s 18-county service territory suffered extensive damage. The responding crews represent eight of Indiana’s electric cooperatives: Clark County REMC (Sellersburg), Harrison REMC (Corydon), Henry County REMC (New Castle), JCREMC (Franklin), Steuben County REMC (Angola), Tipmont REMC (Linden), Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC (Bloomfield), and Whitewater Valley REMC (Liberty).
“Every cooperative in the Indiana Electric Cooperatives family is an integral part of a state and national network of hundreds of fellow cooperatives,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance for Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “It is incumbent upon us to work together and help one another in times of disaster, to make sure our power delivery systems are repaired as quickly, safely and cost-effectively as possible.”
“We take care of emergency needs at home first, but our crews are eager to help those in need,” said Elkins. “They take a tremendous amount of pride in representing their home cooperative and the state of Indiana. They represent us well with how hard, professionally and safely they work.”
Regardless of the circumstance, it is important to remember safety around downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is still energized. If you see a downed line, stay away and contact your electric utility. Additionally, stay away from limbs or trees in contact with downed lines because they can be conductors of electricity.
