We do our best to avoid them, but there’s no way around it: Power outages occasionally happen — especially during this time of the year. Thanks to the great work Tennessee’s electric cooperatives do each day to strengthen their power systems, most of our consumers experience only rare and brief outages. Unfortunately, when strong storms roll through, they sometimes leave damage in their wake.
When the power goes out, how do electric cooperative crews know where to start working? How do you know if your outage has been reported? We have answers to these questions and more, and it all starts with a safe, efficient plan for power restoration.
When it’s safe for crews to begin the restoration process, they start by assessing the damage and forming a plan that usually focuses on restoring power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible.
This process typically begins with repairs to main distribution lines that serve many homes and businesses. After those repairs are made, crews work on smaller lines that feed neighborhoods or streets. Finally, service lines connecting individual homes or businesses are repaired.
We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for it. Electric cooperatives keep supplies of extra poles, transformers and other equipment on hand so they can quickly get to work in the event of an outage. When widespread outages occur, multiple crews will be out in the field simultaneously working to repair damage at multiple locations.
Cooperatives also coordinate with nearby utility systems to bring in additional crews when necessary.
If you experience a power outage, don’t assume a neighbor reported it. It’s best to report the outage yourself.
If you have a medical condition that requires electrical equipment, please let your electric cooperative know, and always have a backup plan in place. This could include using a portable generator, stockpiling extra medical supplies or moving to an alternate location until power is restored. If you plan to use a generator for backup power, read all safety information and instructions before use.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but electric cooperative members can feel confident knowing our crews are standing by, ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
