HAWKEYE REC MEMBERS CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE POWER OUTAGES

Cresco, IA (2:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2011) — The wintery mix of ice and snow has continued to cause several Hawkeye REC members to experience power outages throughout the day. We urge people to keep safety on the top of their minds. Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

The ice build-up on trees is causing branches to fall on the power lines. “Always assume that that the line is still energized and make sure any children in the area know they must stay away from it,” says Mike Walton, Hawkeye’s Operations Manager.

The other cause of the power outages is from galloping power 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.

Members who experience a power outage should call Hawkeye’s 24-hour outage number at 1-800-927-5265 to report the problem. Crews worked overnight and have been working all day to restore power to all members affected, but power outages continue to occur because of the current weather conditions. Thank you for your patience and remember to be safe during the power outages.

Read Previous Press Releases
10:00 a.m. on February 21, 2011

Back to News