(SUMMERDALE, Ala.) – Baldwin EMC officials are reporting widespread outages and significant damage across the cooperative’s service area. System-wide damage assessments are underway, and crews have already begun repairs and restoration.
At the peak of the storm, Baldwin EMC had more than 52,300 meters out. This was due to transmission loss to five substations. Baldwin EMC has restored more than 32,500 meters.
As of 9:30 a.m., Baldwin EMC has 17,415 meters without power.
The cooperative is mobilizing its basecamp in Summerdale to receive more than 400 additional personnel expected to begin arriving today to assist with restoration efforts.
“Although we were spared a direct landfall from Hurricane Isaias, our area has experienced major impacts. Our crews are finding a significant number of downed trees and downed power lines throughout the service area. The damage is extensive, but crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to make repairs and restore power. We appreciate our members’ patience as we work through these challenges,” says Mark Ingram, Baldwin EMC’s vice president of Corporate Services and Public Relations.
Baldwin EMC hopes to bring several large circuits online throughout the day, restoring power to large numbers of members each time. Crews will be working simultaneously across the service area, repairing lines in stages, starting with main circuits and progressing to three-phase lines, single-phase lines, individual taps and service lines.
Restoration times will vary depending on the extent and location of the damage. Baldwin EMC remains committed to restoring power as safely and efficiently as possible.
To report outages:
VIA TEXT*
- If you have never texted an outage, you must first opt in to the program before using these steps. Please see instructions below.
- Text Outage to 85700
- Select the address where the outage is located
- You will receive a message confirming that your outage has been reported
BY PHONE
- Dial (251) 989-6247 or or 1-800-837-3374
- (24 hours a day) to report an outage.
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