Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Prepares for Severe Weather

One of the most potentially damaging aspect of today’s predicted storms are high winds that can cause trees and tree limbs to fall.  

See:  Flash Flood Watch for Fredericksburg Region

“With the threat of high winds, we know that our distribution system could be impacted due to downed trees and tree limbs damaging power lines and power equipment,” said Billy Carter, director of operational and construction services with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). “Our crews are prepared with the necessary equipment to make repairs as needed, and REC is prepared to implement actions for mutual aid crews to assist with restoration work if damage is widespread and we experience major power outages.”

REC has a workforce of over a hundred linemen, as well as right-of-way contract crews. With field forces already in place, REC will support members by fully staffing the Cooperative’s call center around the clock until restoration efforts are complete, should outages occur.

To report an outage, affected people with smart phones should go to the REC website at myrec.coop and log into Web Self-Service and go to the My Outage page.

For those who prefer to phone in to report an outage:

• In the Blue Ridge area, call 540-622-2001;
• In the Bowling Green area, call 804-633-5011;
• In Culpeper, call 540-825-8373;
• In Fredericksburg, call 540-898-8500;
• or call toll-free: 1-800-552-3904.

Please keep in mind during major outages phone volume increases dramatically. Please take advantage of using a smart phone and report outages online.

Downed power lines are also extremely dangerous. If you see one, stay away and call law enforcement or REC immediately at 1-800-552-3904.

If you’re using portable generators, do not connect them to home wiring systems or outlets. It could cause high voltage feedback on power lines that could severely injure workers trying to restore power. Plug lights or other needed appliances directly into the portable generator itself.

REC provides electric service to over 157,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., Rappahannock manages more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For information, visit REC on Facebook, on Twitter and at their website, www.myrec.coop.

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