Winter Storm Update at 1:00 pm - 02/13/07

EnerStar Power crews are working to restore power to approximately 200 members. Most outages are confined between an area south of the Horace-Brocton road in Edgar County and north of Illinois Route 40 in Clark County.

As always, EnerStar Power reminds everyone to stay away from downed power lines. Please notify the cooperative immediately regarding downed power lines.

Mike Clark, EnerStar's Line Superintendent, warns that this could be an extended outage. Winter storm conditions are making it difficult for crews to make repairs.

In addition to staying away from any downed power lines, Clark urges co-op members to use caution when using emergency generators. If you do not have a transfer switch to isolate the generator from the co-op’s electric system, be sure and plug any appliance directly into the generator. This will avoid a backfeed onto the electric grid that could kill or injure linemen trying to repair damage. Clark also warns that generators should be used in an area with plenty of ventilation in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Clark added that when wide spread outages do occur the cooperative’s telephone lines may become overwhelmed. He says, “Rest assured our employees will answer the phones as fast as possible, but when hundreds of people are trying to call in at the same time there will be busy signals. Please be patient.”

To speed up the phone call Clark emphasized that members should use the automated outage reporting system. “This is the best way to get information to our employees,” says Clark. He added that if you have more information about power lines down or broken poles or any other emergency situation, to stay on the line and report it directly to an EnerStar employee.

Winter Storm Warning Issued - 02/13/07

EnerStar Power is warning co-op members to be prepared for possible outages due to the current winter storm. Heavy snow and ice combined with wind is causing widespread and extended power outages throughout the EnerStar service territory.

"This is going to be an extended outage but our linemen and other employees are prepared to do everything they can to restore power as quickly as possible," says Mike Clark, EnerStar’s Line Superintendent. "Winter storm outages like this are very difficult to repair quickly. It is difficult just getting around since many rural roads are already ice covered. We have thousands of miles of lines and a wide area to cover."

Clark says the first priority is to make sure employees and members remember to always put safety first. "We want to emphasize how important it is to stay away from any downed power lines. And if you use a generator make sure you use it safely. Be sure it is not backfeed on to the co-op’s power lines as it could injure or kill a lineman trying to repair the line."

Clark added that when wide spread outages do occur the cooperative’s telephone lines could become overwhelmed. He says, "Rest assured our employees will answer the phones as fast as possible, but when hundreds of people are trying to call in at the same time there will be busy signals. Please be patient."

To speed up the phone call Clark emphasized that members should use the automated outage reporting system. "This is the best way to get information to our employees," said Clark. He added that if you have more information about power lines down or broken poles or any other emergency situation, to stay on the line and report it directly to an EnerStar employee.