Blue Ridge Energy continues to prepare for a significant winter storm moving through the region this weekend and urges members to also be prepared in the event of power outages.
“While our weather models are changing over time, currently we are bracing for impacts to begin Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday and early Monday,” said Renee Walker, director of public relations for Blue Ridge Energy.
Crews are making final preparations such as putting chains on all service trucks and stocking up with chain saws, climbing gear, and equipment critical to repairing power lines and replacing poles or working their way into heavy mountainous terrain should outages occur. Line crews and all employees remain on high alert throughout the weekend, ready to respond to member needs.
“Our crews are prepared and materials are positioned so that we can respond as quickly and safely as possible, said Mike Kincaid, director of operations for Blue Ridge Energy. “We have everyone ready and on standby, including all line technicians, vegetation management crews, contract line technician crews, all operations employees who assist during outages, system operators who are regularly staffed 24/7 to monitor the electric system, engineers and all employees who will play a part in supporting power restoration efforts and serving our members,” Kincaid said. He added that plans are also in place to secure additional line crews and assistance if needed.
The cooperative also asks members to take steps now to be ready in case outages occur. “If you can check on loved ones, friends or neighbors who may be alone or have special needs, now is the time to ensure you have a backup plan in the event of extended outages,” Walker explained.
The key concern is for the potential of freezing rain: a quarter inch to half an inch of ice may be likely for the cooperative’s service area. “That much ice would weigh down trees and limbs, causing trees outside our rights of way to fall and tear down power lines and break power poles,” she explained. With temperatures currently predicted to remain below freezing in some locations of our service area into next week, that will delay thawing if our area sees significant ice accumulations, she added.
Member preparedness tips:
Outage reporting options
• Call PowerLine: 1-800-448-2383
• Text OUT to 70216 (mobile number must be on the account)
• Use the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app
Generator Safety
- Run generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, pointed away from doors and windows, to avoid fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning
- Stay clear of standing water
- Use a transfer switch installed by a professional to avoid back feeding, which can be dangerous to line technicians working on the system
Planning for medical needs
Members who rely on electric-powered medical equipment should have a backup plan in place before severe weather arrives. During large, widespread outages when damage to the electric system is extensive, transmission and other delivery points must first be restored before power can flow to other parts of the system and repairs down the line would be effective. Members are encouraged to arrange alternative power sources, relocation plans, or stay with family or friends if needed. Life-threatening medical emergencies should be reported by calling 911 immediately.
Stay away from downed power lines
Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous and may still be energized. Never touch a downed line or anything in contact with it. Report downed lines immediately by calling Blue Ridge Energy at 1-800-451-5474 and also notify 911. Only trained line technicians should handle downed power lines.
Outage status
View outages on the live outage map at Blue Ridge Energy.com or the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
- During extreme cold, let faucets drip
- Open cabinet doors to allow household air to circulate around pipes
- Seal air leaks using caulk or insulation
- Keep garage doors closed
- For outdoor faucets: remove garden hoses, turn off water supply, drain remaining water and use insulated covers on outdoor faucets.
- If you’re on a well and freezing temps are predicted overnight: cut off main water valve to your house and open faucets to drain the water out of your pipes.
Stay Updated
Blue Ridge Energy shares storm and restoration updates on social media at www.facebook.com/blueridgeenergy, www.instagram.com/blueridgeenergy, and www.twitter.com/blueridgeemc. Note: Outages cannot be reported over social media; they must be submitted through the official reporting channels listed above to be entered in the cooperative’s outage management system.
Blue Ridge Electric serves approximately 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and parts of Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties. Its propane and fuels subsidiary serves customers throughout the cooperative’s service area and in Burke, Catawba, and Grayson County, Virginia. Learn more at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.