Perryville, MO – Citizens Electric Corporation has restored power to more than 9,600 members since Sunday, January 5 when Winter Storm Blair moved through the service territory. 140 linemen, 30 tree trimmers, and 40 support staff have made significant progress and are preparing for another snow event later in the week.
Despite frigid temperatures, the productivity on Tuesday and Wednesday has fared well for the membership as outage numbers have decreased significantly. Crews have endured challenges including difficult terrain, impeded access, and countless vegetation entanglements. Infrastructure damage includes 90 broken poles that require repair, two sections of transmission line which have been fully restored, and six substations that are back online and operational.
Citizens Electric maintains over 2,000 miles of line, much of which run through remote, wooded areas that are difficult to access. Reaching and assessing damage takes time, sometimes days, depending on the extent of the outages. Due to working conditions and the amount of damage, the restoration effort will continue through the coming days.
At 3:00 pm on Wednesday, approximately 2,500 members are without power. Outage updates can be found on our website, cecmo.com/winter-storm-blair-outage-updates.
Members are urged to assume all lines are energized and dangerous, even those that are hanging low or lying directly on the ground. Never approach a downed power line. Do not attempt to drive across or move lines.
Handling electric lines can cause serious injury or death. Downed lines are considered emergencies, please report these situations immediately to 1-877-876-3511.
Members with damage to their service entrance equipment will need to have repairs made by an electrician prior to restoring power to the location. Please contact Citizens Electric to isolate the problem allowing a certified electrician to make repairs.
To report a power outage, call 1-877-876-3511. We want to express our appreciation for your patience and understanding during this outage event. Rest assured we will be working as quickly and safely as conditions allow to restore power to you.
About Citizens Electric Corporation
Citizens Electric Corporation, established in 1947, is a not-for-profit corporation operating as an electric cooperative located in Perryville, Missouri. Citizens Electric services over 27,000 members in Perry County, Ste. Genevieve County and portions of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Jefferson, and St. Francois County. For more information, visit www.cecmo.com or follow Citizens Electric on Facebook and LinkedIn.