REC Monitors Weather in Anticipation of Power Outages

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) crews are preparing for possible interruptions in electric service resulting from the winter weather forecasted for this week. 

The National Weather Services has issued a winter storm watch for Fredericksburg from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Snow and ice could cause trees and limbs to fall onto power lines creating outages, according to an REC spokesperson.

"In anticipation, REC has field personnel standing by to ensure service restoration is completed as quickly and safely as possible," REC said in a press release.  "With field forces already in place, other REC employees are transitioning from their normal work roles into storm assignments as needed in preparation for outages, should they occur." 

REC advises members to also make preparations by having items like flashlights, batteries, a can opener and a battery-powered radio on hand.  "Any member who is dependent on electric-powered medical equipment should take steps now to seek alternative shelter or a source of backup power, as appropriate," REC said.

A list of suggestions is available on the “Outage Center” section of the REC website.

Information regarding outages will be updated on www.myrec.coop, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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.

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, don’t connect them to home wiring system 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.

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