January 24, 2013
For Immediate Release
January 24, 2013
11:30 a.m.
[title]Preparations are underway for restoring power that may be interrupted by predicted bad weather on Friday. Just as KUB is taking steps now to prepare for the outages that may come, we want to help customers prepare by providing information on what to expect and how to stay safe during extended outages.
If the ice is as heavy as predicted, restoring power will be a multi-day event. We want them to be able to plan accordingly, and we want to ask them to be patient as our crews work as quickly as they safely can to restore power.
Heavy ice can lead to extensive damage from downed trees and broken wires and poles. Extremely hazardous road conditions will make even getting to the job difficult. And we anticipate having to clear large numbers of downed trees to reach damaged equipment.
All those elements mean that restoring power to all customers could take at least several days-and possibly longer, depending on the severity of the damage. We want customers to be able to plan accordingly, and we want to ask them to be patient as our crews work as quickly as they safely can to restore power. With damage like this, even after the roads are clear, restoration efforts can be lengthy because of the large numbers of jobs to be worked. Every job is different, but a typical repair job can take 4-6 hours. Replacing a pole can take a minimum of 6-8 hours.
Crew Strength
KUB has already made contact with crews outside the area and has made arrangements for
them to be here before the storm hits. Between KUB crews and contract crews already in our
area, we will have over 50 crews available tonight. We also have the option of calling in other
crews from surrounding areas. The number of available crews could be limited, however,
depending on how widespread the storm’s impact is.
Online Outage Map
Please refer to this map for the latest outage numbers. The information refreshes every 15
minutes. Remember to refresh your computer or mobile device to get the most current
outage totals if you have had the outage map page open for an extended period.
KUB determines the order of restoration in the following sequence:
- Critical system loads that include communications systems, water/wastewater pump stations, hospitals, and other services vital to public welfare.
- Transmission lines (the backbone of the electric system) serving large numbers of
customers. - Substation equipment that can impact large numbers, as well.
- Distribution lines serving subdivisions, large housing areas, and commercial areas.
- Service lines and transformers that serve small numbers of customers.
- Service lines and transformers serving individual customers.
Tree Pruning
KUB prunes trees in our service area on a three- to four-year cycle to help provide safe, reliable
electric service. The pruning can help prevent limbs falling on lines in storms like we are facing. It
does not, however, help prevent damage from trees that fall due to ice buildup.
Winter Storm Safety Tips
Storm tips are also available at our website www.kub.org under the “Safety and Outages” tab.
And the Red Cross has tips on its site at
Cross-Offers-Winter-Storm-Safety-Tips.
Stay Away from Downed Power Lines/Contact With Trees and Limbs
As restoration efforts continue, KUB advises customers to stay well away from any downed
power lines, as they may be energized. Also be mindful that trees leaning on power lines, utility
poles, and related equipment can conduct electricity, and avoid contact. Trees and limbs on the
ground may be in contact with energized power lines and may pose a threat as well. Additionally,
KUB reminds customers to stay at least 25-feet from the work area for their safety and the safety
of our crews.
Use Portable Generators Properly
Generators should be installed and inspected by licensed electricians. Improperly
installed generators can be a safety hazard to utility workers as well as to homeowners.
Never connect the generator to your home’s main wiring circuit. Disconnect your home
from the power system before hooking up a generator. If you don’t, electricity may flow
backward into the power lines, endangering you, your neighbors, and the linemen who
are working to restore power.
Locate the generator in a well ventilated area, preferably outside your home. Gasolinepowered
generators can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Plug appliances directly into the generator.Use extension cords if necessary, but do not
exceed the recommended wattage noted on the generator.
Reporting an Outage
Please report all power outages immediately to KUB to ensure you are on the list for repairs.
Click on the Report an Outage link on the KUB website homepage or call 524-2911 or 1-800-
250-8068 to report outages. KUB would also like to remind customers that we do not check
Facebook postings to gather information on the locations of power outages.
Be sure KUB has your correct phone number. That will enable you to report outages quickly
and easily on our automated outage line. It will also help KUB contact you to verify whether your
power has been restored. You can update your number in your profile on www.kub.org or by
calling 524-2911. (You will need to register, if you haven’t already.)
