NOVEC working to restore power in wake of Hurricane Sandy

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative crews are working to restore power to approximately 15,000 customers after Hurricane Sandy blew through the area on Monday. At the height of the storm Monday night, approximately 32,000 customers lost power. Crews working in heavy rain and strong winds restored service to half of these customers by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release.

Mike Curtis, NOVEC vice president of public relations, reports that more than 12,000 customers lost power when the storm took out a Dominion Virginia Power transmission line that feeds three NOVEC substations in western Prince William and Loudoun counties: “We worked with Dominion throughout the night to restore service to the Arcola substation in Loudoun, but we’re being hampered in Prince William by some enormous trees that fell on lines in wooded areas. We’re working to get our heavy equipment into these outage locations. We anticipate having power restored to these substations this afternoon.”

Curtis notes that NOVEC crews, along with crews from North and South Carolina, are working today in Prince William and Loudoun counties, as well as in Fairfax, Fauquier, Clarke, and Stafford counties, and the City of Manassas Park to restore service to all customers.

Curtis cautions that more power outages may occur and for customers to stay alert: “The ground is soaked. Tree roots could give way and cause more trees to fall on power lines. We may also have strong gusts of wind that could cause additional damage.”

Curtis reminds everyone to stay away from downed power lines. “If you see a tree or debris on the ground, don’t try to move it without making sure there isn’t a power line under it. Always assume a line is energized and deadly. Walking on wet ground anywhere near a live line can be fatal. If you see one, call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 immediately!”