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Vermont Electric Coop power restoration update

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Business Magazine As of mid-day Tuesday,Vermont Electric Coop crews continue to make progress restoring power across the service territory but a significant number of members are still without electricity. For some members, it may be 2-3 days before power is restored and VEC is urging members to plan accordingly. At the height of the outage early yesterday morning, approximately 40 percent of VEC’s 38,000 members did not have power. As of11:30today, VEC crews had restored power to about 4,600 members and about 9,000 remain without power. Across New England this morning approximately 880,000 people are without power.

The extent and complexity of the damage caused by yesterday’s wind storm across VEC’s rural territory, coupled with the high demand for mutual aid crews throughout New England, means it’s taking longer than usual for restoration in many cases. VEC does expect help from additional line crews arriving from Illinois later this evening, however, and calmer weather over the next several days should minimize the possibility of additional outages.

“VEC crews are doing everything they can to restore power as quickly as they safely can, and in some areas we’ve made good progress, and other areas there are greater challenges,” said Christine Hallquist, VEC’s chief executive officer. Hallquist urged members to call VEC or check the website for outage information for their area, and if the power is expected to be out for an extended period, to please call 2-1-1 to be connected to the Red Cross for shelter.

For information about outages in your area you can:

Safety tips:

  • Do not approach a downed power line or a tree that may have come in contact with a power line as it may be electrified.
  • If you are using a generator, please make sure to do so safely. Here are some tips:

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage/safe-generator-use#Using-a-Generator-at-Home

  • If you need shelter, please call 2-1-1 or1-800-347-0488and you will be connected to the Red Cross for assistance.

Source: VEC 10.31.2017 11:57 am.