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Power crews on stand-by
Mar 19, 2010
— With record low temperatures expected throughout Jones County this weekend, Dixie Electric Power Association and Mississippi Power are working hard to make sure their customers remain warm.
Both companies noted all-time record demand this week as temperatures dropped below 20 degrees consistently each night.
Lydia Walters, communication manager at Dixie Electric, said crews have worked this week to make sure outages like the one Tuesday don’t happen again. More than 2,000 customers, mostly in Ellisville, lost power due to strain on the system.
“Over the last two days, we have checked all of our substations and done cold weather maintenance,” she said. “We are also prepared to shoulder some of the load off on certain circuits if necessary. We also have an emergency response plan in place in case of outages.”
Walters said the best thing homeowners can do is keep their thermostat on 68 degrees to not only help with the load on the system, but also lower their electric bills.
“I would just suggest doing anything to keep your house warm,” she said. “Wear more clothes, use towels or blankets to block the air flow. You could also use caulking or weather stripping if you have time.”
Walters added that an all-time peak was reached Tuesday for 15 of Dixie Electric’s 24 substations. Numbers are not currently available system wide.
Cindy Duvall, spokesperson for Mississippi Power, said the utility usually doesn’t experience widespread outages as a result of freezing conditions.
“Our transition and distribution system is designed to withstand severe weather and carry the load for folks staying warm and comfortable in their home,” she said. “In case of an outage, we have got all of our line crews on call and staffed up. Our trucks are ready to roll. We have plans in place to make sure we are restoring the most amount of people as quickly as possible.”
Duvall said Mississippi Power also reached a record demand of 2,698,000 kilowatts at 7 a.m. Tuesday, surpassing the previous all-time peak of 2,593,000 set Aug. 29, 2000.
“That definitely shows that folks are trying to stay warm and cozy,” she said. “We recommend keeping the thermostat on 68 degrees, layering up and maybe lighting a fire.”
Duvall said that setting a thermostat on 68 degrees is not the most efficient temperature for the unit, but also saves energy dollars and dollars in the pocket book.
“It does make a difference,” she said. “This is a good time for folks to think about weather stripping and concealing cold air.”
Duvall noted that if customers do experience an outage, they should call 1-800-ITS-DARK (800-487-3275).
“Don’t assume your neighbor has called, call yourself,” she said. “Our systems are strong enough to withstand it because we work all year round. A big part of outages is not the frosty weather, but ice on the tree limbs.
“While the lines can withstand the weight of the ice, when tree branches break and hit a line, that’s where we get outages,” Duvall added. “That’s why Mississippi Power maintains a tree trimming program to clear the right of ways with lines and trees. A situation like this is where it’s so critical.”
Late Thursday afternoon, Don McKinnon, director of the Jones County Emergency Management Agency, reported winds were picking up and temperatures were dropping.
“We expect temperatures to drop pretty drastically,” he said. “Whatever freezes tonight will probably be frozen until Monday.
“We are under a state of emergency for the State of Mississippi,” McKinnon added. “It’s not something we’re used to dealing with. I’d rather lose one day of school or work to be safe.”
Homeowners are advised to leave their faucets dripping and cabinet doors open so pipes will not freeze. Outdoor pipes, plants and pets should also be protected.
Alternative heating sources such as space heaters should be used with caution. Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall, and only one should be used per outlet.
Earlier in the day Thursday, a fire was tied to clothes being too close to a heater, McKinnon noted.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has also reported a number of fatalities due to icy conditions in the north part of the state. Approximately 30 traffic accidents are being tied to the storm statewide.
The Salvation Army has opened a warming station and shelter, located at 129 N. 13th Ave., for those needing a place to get out of the cold. The Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross has set aside the Cameron Center in case more shelter space is needed.
For more information on the Salvation Army’s shelter, contact Bonita Flynn at 601-428-4232.
The Jones County Emergency Operations Center will also be fully operational during the winter weather event. EOC officials have asked all inquiries about shelters and other needs be sent to them by calling 601-649-3535.
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