Solid Progress Will Continue Today
Vermont Business Magazine VEC crews continue to tackle outages resulting from storm Finn. As of Thursday morning, just under 13,500 members have been restored since the beginning of this major storm event. Restorations due to storm Finn have been particularly time and labor intensive due to the nature of the damage. 34 broken poles have been identified on the system so far.
The VEC team has been joined by external line crews, almost tripling the number of crews in the field. As of 9:00 am on Thursday, less than 5,000 VEC members remain without power. Progress will continue Thursday with some members in locations with significant damage remaining without power into Friday.
Peter Rossi, VEC’s chief operating officer, said that the arrival of several mutual aid crews will be a significant help. “We want to thank our members for their continued patience as we clean up from this storm,” he said. “For today's recovery, we are bringing in even more outside crews and equipment. This restoration is requiring a significant number of off-road pole repairs that are time intensive and require special equipment. Unfortunately, we are being alerted to another similar storm event starting up Friday night so we encourage our members to again be prepared”.
VEC urges members who remain without power to stay safe and keep the following in mind:
- If you run a generator, do so safely including always operating it outdoors. Never run a generator in a barn, shed or garage.
- If you encounter a downed power line stay clear of the line and promptly call VEC at 800-832-2667.
- Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.
- Regularly check the VEC outage page at www.vermontelectric.coop for estimated restoration times.
If members need warming or shelters they are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 for assistance.
About Vermont Electric Cooperative
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), established in 1938, is a non-profit, member-owned electric distribution utility that provides safe, affordable, and reliable electric service to approximately 33,000 members in 75 communities in northern Vermont. Nationally recognized for innovative and advanced use of technology, VEC is the largest locally-owned electric distribution utility in Vermont. www.vermontelectric.coop
Source: 1.11.2024. Johnson, VT –Vermont Electric Cooperative
