People’s Energy Cooperative reporting widespread power outages Thursday

(ABC 6 News) – UPDATE: 12/16/2021 5:00 p.m.

People’s Energy Cooperative reports it is continuing to experience power outages. Here is the latest press release issued:

ORONOCO, MN, December 16, 2021 (4:52 PM) — People’s Energy Cooperative is continuing to experience power outages throughout our service territory due to the extreme weather events last night. We started the day with nearly 4,000 members without power. Restoral today has been slow because of the nature of the damage and the weather conditions. Currently, we have around 2,400 people without power. The outages are widespread and in pockets throughout the service territory.

As we reported earlier today, a large number of our outages are in the City of Stewartville and the High Forest Township. This was due damaged transmission power lines and structures. Pictures are attached.

Crews are working in Canisteo Township and the area surrounding Elgin with the goal of restoring power in those areas yet today. We will have some crews working overnight, but if you do not have power by 6:00 p.m. tonight, it is unlikely your power will be restored today.
Four crews from other cooperatives will be arriving tomorrow morning to aid us in restoration efforts.

Members experiencing a power outage should take these actions to ensure proper food safety and nutrition:
? Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage, a full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours and a full refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.
? Gather items such as canned goods, dried fruits/meats, and any other non-perishable food items to prepare for extended outages.
? Have a three-day water supply for each person in your household, one gallon per person per day.
? Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage include: meat, dairy, eggs, cooked or sliced produce, opened baby formula, and
dough/cooked pasta.

If a member’s power goes back out after being restored, it should be reported again through SmartHub, outage texting (if you are registered), or by calling 800-214-2694. It is also important to report any broken poles or downed power lines so that we can secure the situation.

We will continue to update our website, Twitter, and Facebook page about progress on power restoration.

About People’s Energy Cooperative
People’s Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative celebrating over 85 years of delivering electric power to its nearly 20,000 member-owners in Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Wabasha, and Winona counties. People’s Energy Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative and member-owner in the Dairyland Power System of electric cooperatives that generates and transmits reliable electric power in 62 counties of four states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois).

(ABC 6 News) – People’s Energy Cooperative is asking people to use caution as crews are out working to restore power. The cooperative says it still has widespread power outages throughout its service territory.

People’s Energy Cooperative issued this press release Thursday:

ORONOCO, MN, December 16, 2021 — People’s Energy Cooperative is still experiencing widespread power outages throughout our service territory due to the extreme weather event last night. Crews are currently in the field working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible and crews that worked last night are also returning to work. We also have crews on their way from neighboring utilities to aid in power restoration. Please use caution, stay away from downed power lines, and give our crews plenty of room to work. Timely updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

“The safety of our members and our lineworkers are of the utmost importance. We are currently taking all possible measures to restore power and ensure the safety of our members, while also considering the safety of our lineworkers who are out working in these adverse conditions,” stated President and CEO, Mike Henke.

One of the largest portions of our service territory without power is the City of Stewartville. Due to extensive and severe damage, those in Stewartville should expect to be without power until at least mid-day tomorrow, possibly longer. We have released one of our contractors to assist in the restoral of the transmission lines feeding the City of Stewartville.

Members experiencing a power outage should take these actions to stay safe and comfortable:
? Stay inside and dress warm in layered clothing.
? Close off unneeded rooms.
? When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to properly use it.
? Place a rolled-up rug or heavy towel in front of the bottom of doors to minimize any cold drafts.
? Cover windows at night.
? Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants and people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to the cold. Stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you cannot keep your home warm.

Members should report any outages through SmartHub, outage texting (if you are registered), or by calling (800) 214-2694. Broken poles and downed power lines should also be reported by calling the Cooperative directly.

About People’s Energy Cooperative
People’s Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative celebrating over 80 years of delivering retail electric power to its 19,000 consumer-members in Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. People’s Energy Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative and a member-owner in the Dairyland Power system of electric cooperatives that generates and transmits reliable electric power in 62 counties of four states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois). People’s is an equal opportunity provider and employer.