HAWKEYE REC MEMBERS EXPERIENCE POWER OUTAGES

Cresco, IA (10:00 a.m. Feb. 21, 2011) — The wintery mix of ice and snow Sunday caused several Hawkeye REC members to experience power outages during the afternoon and overnight hours, and outages have continued this morning leading to a number of calls from concerned members.

The cause of the power outages is from galloping transmission lines. When wind blows rain or snow around a power line it can cause it to freeze and form ice. As the wind continues to blow and the ice continues to build, the power lines start to move. This is called galloping. Galloping lines can trigger faults in the electric system.

“The electric lines that have been replaced since the ice storm in 2007, have been withstanding the high winds and ice very well,” says Mike Walton, Hawkeye’s Operations Manager.

Members who experience a power outage should call Hawkeye’s 24-hour outage number at 1-800-927-5265 to report the problem. Crews have been working all night and continue to be dispatched today to restore power to all members affected. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the power outages.

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