Hurricane Isaias Causes Widespread Damage Across Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Service Territory

WEC assessing damage as mutual aid crews mobilize to assist with multi-day
restoration efforts

HARTFORD, Alabama — Wiregrass Electric Cooperative experienced widespread damage and power outages during Hurricane Isaias, and crews are working diligently to fully assess damage in order to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Damages from the storm are worse than anticipated. Strong winds forced WEC to pull crews for their safety as Hurricane Isaias impacted the area, but crews have been out all this morning to better coordinate restoration efforts, identifying areas that require immediate attention and addressing hazardous conditions.

WEC prepared ahead of the storm, positioning personnel, equipment and resources to respond as soon as conditions allowed. Utility crews from outside the area are also on site to provide mutual aid, and additional crews from multiple states are on the way.

“Our crews were prepared and ready to respond well before Hurricane Isaias reached our area,” said Brad Kimbro, chief executive office of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative. “Now that the storm has passed, our focus is on assessing the damage, mobilizing resources and restoring power to our members as safely and efficiently as possible. We have a strong team in place, and with additional crews coming to assist, we are putting every available resource to work.”

Restoration efforts will focus first on critical infrastructure and major distribution lines that can restore power to the greatest number of members before moving to smaller outages and individual locations.
Due to the extent of damage throughout WEC’s service area, members should prepare for a multi-day restoration effort. Some areas may experience extended outages depending on the severity of the damage, accessibility and repairs required.

“We understand how difficult it is to be without power, and we want our members to know that we are working diligently to get their lights back on,” Kimbro said. “This will not be an overnight recovery, but our crews are committed to seeing it through. We are grateful for the mutual aid crews coming to stand alongside our team, and we are equally grateful for the patience and support of our members. We will continue working until power is restored to every member who can safely receive service.”

WEC reminds members that safety remains the top priority during storm recovery. Members should stay away from downed power lines, avoid areas with damaged electrical equipment and never attempt to remove trees or debris tangled in power lines.

Members using portable generators should operate them outdoors, away from windows and doors, and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.

Members experiencing an outage can report it by calling WEC’s 24-hour outage hotline at 1-888-469- 6882 (1-888-4-MY-OUTAGE) or by texting OUT to 1-888-469-6882. Outages can also be reported through WEC’s mobile app or website. Members are encouraged to ensure their contact information is current so outages can be accurately recorded.

WEC will provide updates on restoration progress and share additional information as it becomes available. Members are encouraged to follow Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s official social media channels and visit wiregrass.coop for the latest outage and restoration updates.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is an electric distribution system located in southeast Alabama with more than 3,300 miles of power lines providing reliable and affordable electricity and energy solutions to approximately 27,565 homes and businesses in Houston, Geneva, Covington, Dale, Henry and Coffee counties. For more information, visit our website at www.wiregrass.coop.