REC Continues Power Restoration after Historic Winter Storm
 Fredericksburg, Va. - Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) crews and contractors continue to assess damage, make repairs and restore service after historic Winter Storm Frida toppled trees, downed power lines and damaged electric equipment on Monday.
 
Beginning today, hundreds of mutual-aid workers from Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, Florida and elsewhere will begin arriving to assist REC with restoration efforts.
 
This multi-day restoration effort will be especially difficult due to the expected below-freezing temperatures over the coming nights, and REC urges member-owners to seek shelter or make alternative arrangements as they are able. 
 
Crews continue to encounter treacherous driving conditions and impassible roads.

As of this morning, crews have been assigned or are already working in the following locations. This information could change very quickly based on what crews discover when they arrive at a work location.

  • Caroline HS (old Penola) - Caroline
  • Lewiston Circuit - Caroline
  • Moody's Store - Caroline
  • Rappahannock Academy - Caroline
  • Rose Hill - Caroline
  • Rt 33 West - Louisa
  • Ruritan Park - Caroline
  • Sparta - Caroline
  • Baker's Store - Orange
  • Catalpa - Culpeper
  • Coffeewood - Culpeper
  • Holly Hill - Greene
  • Hurleytown - Fauquier
  • Mt. Pony - Culpeper
  • Richardsville - Culpeper
  • Rt 601 - Orange
  • Settletown - Culpeper
  • Tom's Road - Greene
  • Woodville - Rappahannock
 
“We recognize this outage is having a significant impact on so many of our members” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations. “Our crews, contractors and other REC employees are thinking of our member-owners as we all work together to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.”
Helicopter Patrols
In addition, because of treacherous driving conditions and difficult-to-reach damage sites, REC will begin helicopter patrols today along Paynes Mill Road to Jefferson Highway to Cross county Road in Louisa County; from Jefferson Highway in Louisa all the way to Broad Street Road in Goochland; and from Jefferson Highway to Goldmine Road in Louisa.
Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines
  • If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it.
  • Always assume the line is energized, and report downed lines immediately to REC at 800-552-3904 or call 911.
  • The human body is a ready conductor of electricity. The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone and it could do that through your body.
  • Never drive over a downed power line.
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