Lake Country Power line crews hit the ground running before the break of dawn this morning in the quest to restore electric service for more than 9,800 members. Standby crews worked all night, but progress was slow.

This is a multi-day event that will very likely go into the weekend. Co-op members are encouraged to seek alternate options or lodging to stay warm until power is fully restored. More than 530 outages need to be repaired, many of which are individual outages where one member will be restored at a time. These types of outages take time to repair.

Working in LCP’s Favor

Lake Country Power is optimistic to make better progress today with a few things working in the co-op’s favor – most roads have been plowed, the forecast doesn’t call for heavy wet snow today, it’s not windy, and the crews are rested to make headway.

Also working in Lake Country Power’s favor is more outside help. BENCO Electric Cooperative of Mankato, MN sent two bucket trucks and four linemen this morning to assist. Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative of Albert Lea, MN sent three trucks and six lineworkers. Crews from Lake States Construction are also assisting, including a couple more LSC crews that were assisting Mille Lacs Electric yesterday. Additional utilities have been requested; Lake Country Power is waiting for a response. 

The plan to tackle each outage is in full force – crews will work 16 hours straight from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. with one standby crew working each service area overnight. Last night dispatch verified each outage and coordinated to assign several outages to each crew for repair.

If members don’t see a “hard hat” assigned to their outage on the Outage Map, it could be that dispatch hasn’t entered the assignment into the electronic system yet, even though it’s been assigned.

Challenges

There are many fuses to switch back on, but first the crews must scout the entire section of line before reenergizing it. Otherwise, you risk energizing a downed power line, which creates a public safety hazard.  

The wildcard for future outages from this storm depends on a few variables. One is trees, but the other is snow falling off the lines. Some lines still are loaded with heavy wet snow. When the snow releases it causes the lines to slap together and cause an outage. 

Members may call Lake Country Power at 800-421-9959 to report outages. For faster reporting, members are encouraged to use SmartHub. Please visit the outage map at http://outage.lcp.coop for an outage status.

Winter Outage Tips:

• Stay inside – dress in warm, layered clothing, and cover up with extra blankets.
• Close off unneeded rooms.
• When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards and be sure to properly ventilate (keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it).
• Stuff towels or rags underneath doors to keep in the heat.
• Cover windows at night.
• Maintain a regular diet. Food provides the body with energy for creating its own energy.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Infants or persons over 65 are more susceptible to the cold, check on elderly or disabled friends or neighbors.  You may want to find an alternative location with friends or relatives if you cannot keep your home warm.
• Be cautious when using alternative heating, lighting and cooking sources that may increase the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.