5 things you might not know about power restoration
by General Manager Steve Stroshane and Operations Manager Jason Evenson
Our number one goal is keeping the lights on for you. Given our reliance on electricity today, there is never a good time to be without it! But we all know that winter weather is tough on equipment and the electric grid. We wish we could snap our fingers and instantly restore a power outage like you see in the movies, but in real life, it takes a lot more effort and people to make that happen. This month as we begin another winter season, we'd like to shed some light on our restoration process to help you understand what's happening behind the scenes.
1. We need information from you
Our connection to your electric meter can tell us if the power is out at your home or business, and over the years, technology has advanced to the point where our system can even predict if the outage affects a larger area. But, we still rely on members to help us identify and assess the situation. Please continue to report outages on SmartHub or 800-421-0283. Phones are answered 24/7. When calling, have your address, account number or location number ready and let us know if you have seen or heard anything that may have caused the outage, such as sparks, loud noises or trees on the power lines. This will help our field crew find the problem quickly to get your power restored.
2. We always assess the situation first
Every outage is different; we don't know how dangerous it is or what equipment might need to be repaired or replaced until a co-op crew arrives on the scene. Often, lineworkers need to patrol the lines. When your outage is reported, we first assess the situation and then we make a plan to fix the problem safely and efficiently.
3. It's a team effort
You should know that every one of our Polk-Burnett employees is working to get your power restored as soon as possible. While engineers and field crews are surveying damage, our member services team is taking your calls and keeping you informed, our right-of-way crew is clearing downed trees and brush, and our dispatchers are organizing work efforts. When your power goes out, we all work together.
4. Work is prioritized by restoring the largest numbers first
Our first priority is public safety, then our work is prioritized by the largest number of members we can get back on in the shortest amount of time. Our outage restoration process begins at the substation, where power is supplied into Polk-Burnett's system. Substations serve up to 3,500 members. When a major outage occurs, lineworkers inspect substations first to determine if there is a problem with that equipment or with the transmission line feeding into the substation. After these repairs have been made, crews work on main distribution power lines serving larger areas. Then, we begin repairing smaller lines to individual members.
5. Sometimes it's a waiting game
A portion of our power grid is connected to other electric utilities, outside of our control. Polk-Burnett substations are connected to transmission lines that are owned by Xcel, Northwestern Wisconsin Electric and Dairyland Power Cooperative, and serve our entire region. If an outage is due to a problem on their transmission system, we must wait and let them do the repairs.
Members with a critical need for electricity should have an emergency backup plan
It’s important to know that following severe storms, damage across the electric system may be extreme, and it may take many hours or even days to complete repairs and restore power to all members. Members who must have electricity should be prepared with an emergency backup plan. Your plan may include making arrangements to move to an alternative location, using a portable generator or installing battery backup on important electrical devices.
Know what to do if your lights go out this winter
Co-op crews work to strengthen the grid and prevent power outages, but they are inevitable from time to time. Winter storms, ice, snow and wind are always a threat. Outages are also caused by animal contacts, car accidents and power supply that impacts entire substations.
If your lights go out this winter, know that your co-op is working to restore power quickly and safely, while keeping you informed.
What can you do to help in an outage:
• Check circuit breakers, fuses and the neighbors.
• Report outages on SmartHub or 800-421-0283.
• Stay away from fallen power lines, and trees and branches near lines. Report these hazards.
• See outage map on polkburnett.com to see extent of system outages and how big of an area is impacted.
• Look for updates on Facebook for major outages.
• Make sure we have your updated contact information.
If we have your cell number, we'll send you a text alert when you have an outage at your location. Keep your cell number up to date on your account through SmartHub or our billing office. Thank you!
Above: Keeping trees and brush away from power lines is one important way we strengthen the grid and prevent outages. Thank you for your cooperation with our right-of-way clearing program. It makes a difference!
Tip: It's always good to review who provides electricity at any property. Some members have more than one location tied to their Polk-Burnett (SmartHub) account. Sometimes members want to report an outage at a hunting shack, cabin or garage, and mistakenly report an outage at their primary residence. If you are reporting an outage on SmartHub and have more than one electric account with Polk-Burnett, select the correct location in the drop down. Some people are customers of Polk-Burnett Propane but get electricity from Xcel Energy or Northwestern Wisconsin Electric.
