Vermont Electric Cooperative fixes ice storm outages, new snow brings more

Vermont Electric Cooperative reported early Friday morning that all power outages from the initial wave of the ice storm have been restored. In all, about 35,000 outages were restored since they began to occur last weekend.’ As of 5:30 am Friday, 249 VEC members were without power as new snow caused trees to fall on power lines. These outages began on Thursday and Friday, and should be repaired by Friday at noon. The largest current outage affects 184 members in Fairfax, Fletcher and Fairfield which was hard hit in the storm.
VEC members may see new outages Friday as trees continue to come down on lines. VEC will also be initiating some outages to safely make needed repairs to power lines, but these outages will be relatively short in duration.’ As snow accumulated Thursday a new round of outages began, with an additional 500 power outages developing throughout the day. With line workers and tree crews already in the field, VEC dispatched crews to these outages which should also be restored by the end of the day. Tree limbs and power lines already loaded with ice saw as much as 6 inches of snow build up in some areas making them more prone to sagging and breaking.
The risk for additional scattered outages at this time has increased. VEC is asking its members to remain prepared for the possibility of losing electricity during the next few days.’
Utility crews from around Vermont and beyond continue to support VEC’s line workers and tree crews.
‘This weather event has caused unprecedented damage to the VEC system,’ said spokesperson Liz Gamache. ‘We’ve been fortunate to receive an outpouring of support from utility workers near and far. They are committed to getting the lights back on and have been working in extremely challenging weather conditions,’ she continued.
In addition, individuals and organizations throughout northern Vermont have helped to provide meals to the crews so that they could keep fortified and spend more time in the field making repairs. Local hospitals and fire departments opened their doors to provide dinner on Christmas Day. Families of VEC employees have also stepped in to make hundreds of hot meals and bagged lunches for the workers, and customers baked cookies and delivered coffee in frigid temperatures. ‘We are so grateful to many generous Vermonters who are supporting and encouraging the line crews and staff who have been working continuously since’ Sunday,’ said Gamache. ‘Mother Nature has dealt us some blows, but we feel like we’re in this together,’ she remarked.’