1/25/2026 (PM): OFFICE & DRIVE-THRU CLOSURES — STORM UPDATE
LOBBY & DRIVE-THRU CLOSURES
Due to evolving severe weather conditions, all SEC lobby and drive-thru locations will be closed on Monday, January 26, to help ensure the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.
PHONES REMAIN OPEN
Our Member Services team will continue to be available by phone to assist with:
• Outages
• Account questions
• Urgent member needs
STAY CONNECTED FOR REOPENING UPDATES
As conditions improve, SEC will share updates on office and drive-thru reopenings through:
• Our website
• SEC's Facebook page
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety during this weather event.
NEED TO REPORT AN OUTAGE?
• Call 866-878-5514 to report an outage via our automated system
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry” → “Power Outage” → confirm your location → Send
Thank you for your patience and preparedness. SEC will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.
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REPORTING OUTAGES VIA TEXT UNAVAILABLE
Due to extremely high activity from widespread, multi-state outages, a third-party text platform used by electric cooperatives across multiple states is experiencing heavy demand. As a result, outage reporting and status updates via text message may be temporarily unavailable.
This issue is not specific to SEC systems. At this time, SEC is not currently experiencing outages, but we are sharing this information proactively in case conditions change.
If you need to report an outage or request assistance:
Call: 866-878-5514
Use the SmartHub App: Tap Report an Issue/Inquiry → Power Outage → confirm your location → Send
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Weather Update – Winter Storm FernWhile we did not see the widespread outages that were forecasted earlier today, largely because the freezing rain turned into sleet for much of the day, the forecast still calls for freezing rain overnight as Winter Storm Fern continues through our area.
If outages begin to occur, SEC crews will be available and
ready to respond as soon as conditions are safe to do so. Safety is our top priority, for our crews, contractors and mutual-aid personnel, as well as the communities we serve. If outages persist, hazardous conditions, snow-covered or icy roads, and impassable roadways may slow restoration efforts, as crews may need additional time to clear access and safely reach affected areas.
Emergency Situations:
SEC responds to emergency requests coordinated through VDEM and local emergency management, including situations such as live power lines on roadways or other immediate public safety hazards. These emergencies are worked as a priority and may require crews and resources to be redirected, which can cause delays in outage restoration.
Important Texting Update:Due to extremely high activity from widespread, multi-state outages, a third-party text reporting platform used by electric cooperatives across multiple states is experiencing heavy demand. As a result, outage reporting and status updates via text message may be temporarily unavailable.
If you need to report an outage, please use one of the following options:
• Report online through your SmartHub account
• Call (866) 878-5514
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor weather conditions and prepare to respond as needed.
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1/25/26: SEC CREWS ARE STAGED AND READY
Thank you for your patience and preparedness as this weather event sets in. SEC is monitoring conditions and will share updates as they become available.
Stay safe and weather-aware.
REPORTING OUTAGES
• Text
#out to 866-878-5514 from the mobile number on your account
• Call 866-878-5514 to report an outage via our automated system
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry” → “Power Outage” → confirm your location → Send
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1/24/26: Downed Power Line Safety
Downed Power Line Safety
Winter weather, ice, and high winds can bring down power lines — and they can be dangerous even if they don’t look energized.
If you see a downed line, remember:
• Assume all lines are live and dangerous
• Stay at least 30 feet away
• Do not touch the line or anything near it
• Keep others and pets clear
Report it immediately to Southside Electric Cooperative:
Call 866-878-5514 or use our outage reporting tools online.
Your quick report helps our crews respond faster and keeps our community safe.
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1/24/26: Winter Storm Fern Update
As Winter Storm Fern approaches our service territory, we want members to know that crews, equipment, and resources are staged and ready. We’re also grateful to have mutual aid and contract crews already on site and positioned across our system to assist if outages occur.
This is the cooperative difference. Co-ops helping co-ops. Because Winter Storm Fern is impacting many states, we have had to go outside of the impact areas to pre-stage this event. Crews have traveled hundreds of miles from New Hampshire and Minnesota to support our local teams.
Prepare emergency supplies, medications, food, water, and backup heat sources now.
Important Safety Reminders
• Stay at least 35+ feet away from downed power lines and report them immediately
• If using a generator, operate it outdoors only, away from doors and windows
We will continue to share updates as conditions change. Thank you for preparing, staying safe, and for your patience as crews work through this storm together. Thank you to our mutual aid and contract crews for being here and ready to serve.
Reporting Outages
Due to the multi-state scope of this storm, phone carriers across the United States may experience higher-than-normal call volumes as thousands of members report outages at the same time. If phone services become strained, we encourage members to use text and app-based options whenever possible.
• Text “
#out" to 866-878-5514 using the mobile number on your account.
• Call 866-878-5514 to report the outage using our automated service.
• SmartHub mobile app: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” choose “Power Outage,” confirm your account location, and click “Send.”
How do I know if my power has been restored?
• Members may text
#status to 866-878-5514 at any time to receive the latest status information related to their outage, including if power is on or off
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1/23/2026: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — STORM PREP & RESTORATION
As we prepare for the approaching winter storm, Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) wants to share answers to some of the most common questions we receive before and during severe weather events.
HOW DOES SEC DECIDE WHOSE POWER IS RESTORED FIRST?
During widespread outages, restoration follows utility best practices to restore service to the greatest number of members as safely and quickly as possible.
Crews generally focus on:
• Transmission lines — so power can flow across the system
• Substations — which supply electricity to large areas
• Main feeder lines — serving large groups of members
• Service lines & homes — neighborhoods and individual services
This approach helps restore power to the most members first.
Important exceptions:
• Safety first: Downed or energized lines, damaged poles, or other hazards must be addressed before restoration continues.
• Accessibility: Ice, fallen trees, debris, or unsafe roads may limit access. In some cases, smaller, safer repairs may be completed while crews wait for conditions or additional resources for larger jobs.
DO CREWS WORK OVERNIGHT?
Yes. Crews do work overnight during major outages. However, most resources are deployed during daylight hours when visibility, safety, and access allow crews to assess damage faster and complete complex repairs more efficiently.
MEMBERS WITH MEDICAL NEEDS
If you or someone in your household depends on electric-powered medical equipment, please always have an alternate plan in place. This may include:
• Backup power sources
• Extra medical supplies
• An alternate location if power is out for an extended period
We also recommend consulting with your medical provider for outage planning.
WHY ISN’T AN ETOR AVAILABLE YET?
Estimated Times of Restoration may not be available early in a major storm because:
• Damage may not yet be visible or accessible
• Conditions may still be causing new outages
• One outage may involve multiple issues and crews
• Early estimates can change often and cause confusion
ETORs will be shared once full damage assessments are complete and accurate timelines can be confirmed.
CHECK YOUR OUTAGE STATUS
• Text
#status to 866-878-5514 for the latest updates
Generator Safety
• Never use generators indoors, in garages, or near windows/doors
• Use generators outdoors only, away from buildings
• Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet
Downed Power Line Safety
• Always assume lines are energized and dangerous
• Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines and anything they touch
• Do not move lines or debris near them
• Report downed lines immediately and keep others away
REPORTING OUTAGES
• Text
#out to 866-878-5514 from the mobile number on your account
• Call 866-878-5514 to report an outage via our automated system
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry” → “Power Outage” → confirm your location → Send
Thank you for your patience and preparedness as we head into this weather event. SEC will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available.
Stay safe and weather-aware.
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1/22/2026: THE STORM HAS SHIFTED FROM SNOW TO ICE
A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact our area. As this weather moves in, Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) wants members to understand what to expect, how restoration efforts may be impacted, and how to prepare.
FIRST 24–48 HOURS AFTER THE STORM
During the early stages of a widespread winter event, restoration efforts may take longer than usual due to challenging conditions, including:
- Falling trees and icy, hazardous road conditions that can limit safe crew travel
- Blocked or impassable roads while snow, ice, and debris are being cleared
- Downed trees, limbs, or live power lines across roadways that must be made safe before work can begin
- Vehicle accidents or emergency situations requiring immediate response
- Continued winter weather that may cause additional damage after the storm begins
- If emergency requests are received from agencies such as VDOT or local emergency services, public safety is always our first priority. Crews may be redirected to address hazards like downed live lines or unsafe roadway conditions.
Forecasts show below-freezing temperatures across SEC’s service area. If you are without power, please be prepared.
REPORTING OUTAGES
• Text
#out to 866-878-5514 from the mobile number on your account
• Call 866-878-5514 to report an outage using our automated system
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry” → “Power Outage” → confirm your location → Send
CHECK OUTAGE STATUS
• Text
#status to 866-878-5514 at any time to receive the latest update on your outage, including whether power is on or off
Stay safe, stay weather-aware, and thank you for your patience as our crews work through the storm.
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1/21/2026 - PM: Winter Storm Preparation Update
As we prepare for this weekend’s winter storm, Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) has taken steps to be ready to respond safely and efficiently.
CREW & PERSONNEL READINESS - In total, more than 105 personnel and crews have been requested or staged in preparation for this storm to support potential restoration efforts across our service area, including SEC’s normal operations as detailed below.
STAGED RESOURCES - The following resources are staged or expected to be staged on our system in preparation for this storm:
CONTRACT & MUTUAL AID CREWS
- 7 Contract Line Crews (pole replacement crews) ~35 personnel
- 10 Mutual Aid Bucket Crews (line repair crews) ~20 personnel
- 22 Vegetation Crews (tree removal crews) ~50 personnel
TRACK MACHINES
- 7 additional machines requested, bringing the total to 8 on our system
- These will assist with pole replacements and difficult ground conditions
SEC CREWS & CREW SCOUTS
- 25 SEC crews and scouts
- ~80 personnel staged throughout the service area for restoration activity throughout the storm period
MATERIALS & LOGISTICS - To support restoration efforts, we have also:
- Established 2 additional field material staging areas for poles, in addition to our 4 district warehouses
- Prepped and fully stocked our warehouses with essential materials needed for storm response and repairs
ONGOING ASSESSMENT
As forecasts are updated, personnel levels and mutual aid assistance will continue to be re-evaluated, and additional resources will be requested if conditions warrant.
This level of preparation reflects the potential impact of the forecasted storm and our commitment to being ready to serve our members safely. We will continue monitoring conditions and providing updates as the situation evolves.
Stay safe out there and be weather aware!
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1/21/2026 - AM: Winter Storm Preparation Reminder
All eyes are on this weekend as a significant winter storm is expected to impact our region. Forecasts indicate snow, very cold temperatures, and the potential for freezing rain in some areas from Saturday through Sunday. Conditions may vary across our 18 counties.
How Members Can Prepare Now
With predicted extreme winter weather conditions, preparation now can make a big difference.
Stay Informed
- Monitor local weather updates
- Follow your cooperative updates at www.sec.coop
Power & Communication
- Fully charge cell phones, battery packs, and laptops
- Keep car chargers available as a backup
- Set phones to low-power mode if outages occur
- Check generator fuel supply levels
Lighting & Safety
- Have flashlights ready in main living areas
- Keep extra batteries on hand
- Avoid candles when possible, to reduce fire risk
Food & Water
- It is recommended to store at least one gallon of water per person per day
- Stock easy-to-prepare foods that don’t require cooking
- Keep a manual can opener available
- Limit the amount of time refrigerators and freezers are opened
Heating & Cold Weather Safety
- Close blinds and curtains to help retain heat
- Block drafts around doors and windows
- Keep interior doors closed to retain warmth in main living areas
Personal & Family Readiness
- Have extra blankets, warm clothing, gloves, and hats accessible
- Keep medications and medical equipment fully charged
- Make plans for anyone who relies on electricity for medical needs
- Have an emergency kit ready
Pets, Livestock & Neighbors
- Bring pets indoors and ensure adequate food and water
- Prepare shelter and water access for livestock
- Check on elderly neighbors or those who may need assistance
Travel & Vehicles
- Avoid travel during heavy snow or ice if possible
- Keep vehicles fueled and stocked with emergency supplies
Safety is our top priority. We’ll continue to share updates as the forecast becomes clearer.
Please stay weather-aware and take time now to prepare.
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1/20/2026: We’re monitoring a winter weather system that could impact our area this weekend, with snow possible beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday.
According to 12 On Your Side Weather, snow may develop late Saturday, with the bulk of accumulation expected on Sunday.
Our crews are actively preparing for the potential winter weather, and we encourage members to take steps now to be prepared.
Prepare now:
Charge phones, battery packs, and medical devices
Keep blankets, warm clothing, and a flashlight in your vehicle
Allow extra travel time and monitor road conditions
Check in on neighbors who may need assistance
We’ll continue to share updates as the forecast becomes clearer. Stay safe and weather-aware.
