Fewer than 400 REC member-owners remain without power this morning, down from a peak of more than 7,000 following the historic cold front and winds that roared through Virginia yesterday and overnight.
REC expects all remaining outages to be restored by early this evening.
Line crews, contractors and other field teams have spent the past two days making repairs and restoring service in dangerous and challenging conditions, which included subzero wind chills at times. REC continues to shift line teams and contractors to support crews working in the Western counties to ensure outages can be restored as quickly and safely as possible.
During the peak of the cold front, winds gusted above 50 mph, downing trees and power lines. At least 13 power poles were broken. Yesterday’s wind was followed by the coldest Christmas Eve temperatures since 1989.
“We appreciate member-owners’ patience as our field teams have worked in brutal and dangerous conditions to restore all power,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director—Communications and Public Relations. “We wish all of our members a safe and joyful holiday season.”
