Winter Storm Blair: SEC Updates

Winter Storm Blair Outage Update:

SEC crews continue to make significant progress. From repairing lines to cutting through downed trees, every task gets us closer to fully restoring power.

We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our members who are still without power as we push through the final stages of storm recovery. Thank you for your continued support.

 

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1/9/25 (6:45am)

Strong progress has been made thanks to dedicated crews working through the night.

Crews focus all efforts on the remaining 266 members impacted by Winter Storm Blair and expect power to be restored TODAY.

We thank our members for their continued patience and understanding.

Next Update: SEC will provide a late morning update, stay tuned.

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1/8/25 (8:00pm)

SEC estimates that all remaining members impacted by current outages will be restored by tomorrow.

SEC understands that extended outages in frigid temperatures are difficult for those of you who are currently without power. SEC continues restoration activities with crews working throughout the evening to make progress on the outages that remain that are impacting our members. SEC appreciates your patience and understanding as crews continue to work through the damaging impacts of Winter Storm Blair.

Total outages reported: 26,029

Current outages remaining: under 500

WARMING CENTERS: SEC is aware of warming shelters available in the following areas, provided by county entities.

• Bedford County: The Bedford Winter Warming Shelter ; 112 Center Street; Jan. 7 – Jan. 8 @ 7AM; Palestine Baptist Church (9244 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston) 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; EastLake Community Church (1201 Timberwood Ln., Moneta)

• Lynchburg: The Salvation Army; 2215 Park Avenue; Jan. 7 at 8PM – Jan. 8, 8AM

• Farmville: Darlington Heights Fire Department; 2673 Darlington Heights

Please refer to your local VDEM contact or your county’s emergency management for information regarding warming shelters.

Report an Outage:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).

• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.

• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.

Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

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1/8/25 (5:30pm)

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1/8/25 (2:00 pm)

Winter Storm Blair Outage Update:

SEC estimates that all remaining members impacted by current outages will be restored by tomorrow.

SEC continues to make progress:

Total number of repair locations left: 147

Total number of crews: 44

SEC continues to focus in these three counties:

• Bedford

• Campbell

• Pittsylvania

All other outages outside these counties continue to be addressed across our service territory.

Next Update: Look for SEC’s next update later this afternoon. This update will include the number of crews and where they are located within the counties.

Report an Outage:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).

• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.

• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.

Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

Winter Storm Blair Outage Update

SEC has 235 field workers focused on three counties:

– Bedford

– Campbell

– Pittsylvania

All other outages outside these counties continue to be addressed across our service territory.

Where are crews currently working?

Why is my Outage Viewer not providing an Estimated Time of Restoration?

Next Update: Stay tuned for a new update to be posted later this afternoon.

Report an Outage:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).

• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.

• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.

Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

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1/8/25 (8 am)

Winter Storm Blair Outage Update:

To our SEC members, we understand that being without power for an extended period of time is incredibly difficult. If you have yet to have your power restored, we have not forgotten you and we will not stop working until all members have power.

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1/7/25 (8:00 pm)

📢Winter Storm Blair Outage Update

SEC’s 235 dedicated personnel that include line, mutual-aid and tree crews, have made significant progress today in restoring outages across SEC’s service territory.

County Location Updates: As of 6 PM –
This list details the percentage of members out of power, the number of outage events and crews assigned per impacted county.

Crew Assigned: Crew on site and in the area assessing damage. Once the damage has been assessed, work begins, and the Estimated Time of Restoration (ETOR) will be updated. *Any county with less than 1% impacted are not reflected in this list.

• Appomattox: 1% of members with 2 outage events. 1 crew assigned.
• Bedford: 41% of members with 107 outage events. 18 crews assigned.
• Campbell: 25% of members with 75 outage events. 11 crews assigned.
• Hurt: 4% of members with 1 outage event. Pending crew assignment.
• Pittsylvania: 15% of members 36 outage events. 5 crews assigned.
• Powhatan: 1% of members with 4 outage events. 3 crews assigned.
• Prince Edward: 1% of members with 4 outage events. 3 crews assigned.

As we head into the evening be assured that a new shift of lineworkers and crews will work throughout the night to continue restoration work.

WARMING CENTERS: SEC is aware of warming shelters available in the following areas, provided by county entities.
• Bedford County: The Bedford Winter Warming Shelter ; 112 Center Street; Jan. 7 – Jan. 8 @ 7AM
• Lynchburg: The Salvation Army; 2215 Park Avenue; Jan. 7 at 8PM – Jan. 8, 8AM
• Farmville: Darlington Heights Fire Department; 2673 Darlington Heights

Please refer to your local VDEM contact or your county’s emergency management for information regarding warming shelters.

Resources & Safety Tips:
• Preserve Battery Life: Limit use of electronic devices to save power.
• Protect Pipes: Close exterior vents and let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
• Pets in Frozen Temps: Bring pets indoors and provide warm bedding.

Safety Reminders:
• Stay 35+ feet from downed power lines.
• If using a generator, follow manufacturer guidelines closely.
• Stay warm safely – never use stoves or grills for indoor heating.

Report an Outage:
• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).
• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.
Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

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1/7/25 (1:50 pm)

Winter Storm Blair Outage Update

How to read the outage map?

Next Update:

SEC will provide a new update early this evening.

Tree Challenges Continue: Downed trees due to weight and ice continue to cause trees to fall into roadways and limit crew access to outage locations.

Thank You, Mutual-Aid Crews!

Resources & Safety Tips:

Safety Reminders:

Report an Outage:

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1/7/25 (6:00AM)

As our members are waking up this morning, dedicated crews have worked through the night to continue restoring power to members. A fresh group of crews and contractors have headed out to continue restoration efforts and we will not stop until all members have their lights back on.

Overnight progress made by crews:

• Power restored to over 1,000 members.
• 12 of 39 broken poles replaced. 22 more assigned to be replaced starting first thing this morning. With overnight damaging winds mixed with weighted, icy trees and lines, we expect to find more today.

Estimated Time of Restoration (ETOR) will become available once crews are able to fully assess damage. Due to icy conditions and downed trees limiting access for crews, ETOR’s may not be readily available.

📆 Next Update: We greatly appreciate the patience of our members as we continue efforts. Updates will continue to be provided through the day – keep an eye out for next updates coming out early afternoon, as more details become available.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

• Stay 35+ feet from downed power lines.
• If using a generator, follow manufacturer guidelines closely.
• Stay warm safely – never use stoves or grills for indoor heating.

📞If you have an outage that has not been reported, please do so by:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).
• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.

Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

We are HERE FOR YOU.

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1/6/25 (8:15 pm)

📢Winter Storm Blair Update: Power Restoration Efforts Continue

Restoration Efforts – Day 1:

Peak of the storm: SEC had 14,731 outages.

Restoration efforts: SEC crews have been able to restore 5,594 outages since the start of the storm.

Warning: SEC makes steady progress restoring outages, but as temperatures continue to drop tonight, additional outages may occur due to winds picking up throughout the evening. Members who have already been restored may also be impacted due to this weather event. Outages may increase through this evening.  

Estimated Time of Restoration (ETOR):
Members are asked to prepare for several days without power as our crews continue assessing and repairing system-wide damage. Rest assured, crews will continue to work through the night to continue restoration efforts. Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

📆 Next Update:
Expect another update tomorrow morning.

🚧 Challenges Crews Face:

• Blocked Roads: Downed trees are limiting access.
• Icy Conditions: Crews are battling frozen terrain, ice-covered roads, and heavy trees.

🤔 Common Questions:

• ETOR (Estimated Time of Restoration): As weather continues to impact the system, ETOR is not available until crews have assessed the damage system-wide.
• How was SEC impacted: 34 broken poles have been confirmed as of 7:15 p.m. with 15 repaired today and 5 assigned to crews to be worked tonight.  Much of this damage has come from trees that have fallen from outside of the SEC-maintained right-of-way.  These ice-laden trees have fallen into roadways or powerlines, causing significant damage.

🙏 Thank You, Mutual-Aid Crews!

• Additional contractors and crews from Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc., Black River Electric Cooperative, Aiken Electric Cooperative, INC, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Carolina Power and Signalization, Ashwell Tree Service, Rocky Creek Tree Service and Townsend Tree Service are assisting in efforts.
• Neighboring cooperatives, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative have deployed crews to support efforts.
• We’re grateful for NEW help since our 10 am update from Lumbee River EMC, Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, River City, and Lee Electrical Construction.

🔥 Resources & Safety Tips:

• Preserve Battery Life: Limit use of electronic devices to save power.
• Protect Pipes: Close exterior vents and let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
• Pets in Frozen Temps: Bring pets indoors and provide warm bedding.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

• Stay 35+ feet from downed power lines.
• If using a generator, follow manufacturer guidelines closely.
• Stay warm safely – never use stoves or grills for indoor heating.

📞 Report an Outage:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).
• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.
• Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

Stay safe, and thank you for your patience as we work through these challenges! #HereForYou

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1/6/25 (4:00 pm)

📢Winter Storm Blair Update: Power Restoration Efforts Continue

Estimated Time of Restoration (ETOR):
Members are asked to prepare for several days without power as our crews continue assessing and repairing system-wide damage. We’re working hard to restore service as quickly as possible while prioritizing safety. Temperatures are expected to drop over the next 18 hours, so please plan accordingly.

🔥 Resources & Safety Tips:

• Preserve Battery Life: Limit use of electronic devices to save power.
• Protect Pipes: Close exterior vents and let faucets drip to prevent freezing.
• Pets in Frozen Temps: Bring pets indoors and provide warm bedding.

📆 Next Update:
Expect another update this evening.

🚧 Challenges Crews Face:

• Blocked Roads: Downed trees are limiting access.
• Icy Conditions: Crews are battling frozen terrain, ice-covered roads, and heavy trees.

🤔 Common Questions:

• ETOR (Estimated Time of Restoration): Until crews have been able to assess the damage system wide, ETOR is currently not available as weather continues to impact the system.
• Impact Summary: 28 broken poles have been confirmed as of 3:30PM. All available SEC crews, along with 11 contractors and mutual-aid teams, are hard at work.

🙏 Thank You, Mutual-Aid Crews!

• Additional contractors and crews from Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc., Black River Electric Cooperative, Aiken Electric Cooperative, INC, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Carolina Power and Signalization, Ashwell Tree Service, Rocky Creek Tree Service and Townsend Tree Service are assisting in efforts.
• Neighboring cooperatives, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative have deployed crews to support efforts.

• We’re grateful for NEW help since our 10 am update from Lumbee River EMC, Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, River City, and Lee Electrical Construction.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

• Stay 35+ feet from downed power lines.
• If using a generator, follow manufacturer guidelines closely.
• Stay warm safely – never use stoves or grills for indoor heating.

📞 Report an Outage:

• Text: “#out” to 866-878-5514 (must use the mobile number on your account).
• Call: 866-878-5514 to report via our automated service.
• SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry,” select “Power Outage,” and confirm your location.
• Outage Map: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

Stay safe, and thank you for your patience as we work through these challenges! #HereForYou

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1/6/25 (10:00 am)

As of this morning, ice and freezing rain continue across SEC’s service territory. As weather conditions worsen, so do working conditions for our crews out in the field. The safety of SEC, mutual aid crews, and our members is always a priority.  We assure our members that crews will work safely to continue to restore members’ power. 

What conditions are crews working against?

• Snow and ice-laden trees falling into power lines.
• Limited access to roads due to the icy conditions and trees falling into roadways.

It is early on in the restoration process – please prepare for extended outages at this time, as our crews continue to assess damage. We will continue to provide updates throughout the day.

While crews prioritize safely restoring power, we strongly encourage our members to prioritize safety during winter weather conditions and outages as well.

SEC has restoration efforts in full force:

• All available SEC crews currently working to restore power
• Additional contractors and crews from Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Black River Electric Cooperative, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Carolina Power, Ashwell Tree Service, Rocky Creek Tree Service and Townsend Tree Service are assisting in efforts.
• Neighboring cooperative, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative has deployed crews to support efforts.
• More contract crews are being requested as the storm continues.

Please be sure to check the outage viewer – https://outage.sec.coop:8181 to confirm your outage – and report your outage if you have not done so already. 

Here’s how you can stay safe:

• Limit travel on roadways – Avoid unnecessary travel once the weather arrives—stay safe and stay off the roads.
• Use generator properly – If using a generator, ensure it is properly ventilated and follow all safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Stay warm safely –Never use stoves or grills indoors for heating.
• Use Flashlights – Keep flashlights and extra batteries in an easily accessible location. Avoid using candles to reduce fire hazards.
• Downed Powerline Safety – Stay clear of any downed power lines and do not approach or touch them. Report downed lines immediately to Southside Electric Cooperative for safe handling.

To report an outage:

📱Text “#out” to 866-878-5514 using the mobile number on your account.
📞Call 866-878-5514 to report the outage via our automated service.
📱SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry”, select “Power Outage”, confirm your account location, and click “Send”.
🌐View outages: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

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1/5/25 – Southside Electric Cooperative is ready to respond to any outages that may occur due to winter weather conditions. Just as SEC is prepared, we encourage our members to also prepare for this predicted weather event and potential outages.

How is SEC prepared?

• 26 crews ready and on standby.
• Additional contractors staged and set for assistance.
• Trucks, equipment and supply warehouses are stocked.
• Plans are in place to respond to any outages quickly and safely.

How can YOU prepare?

• Charge electronic devices and preserve batteries by limiting unnecessary use.
• Gather emergency supplies including flashlights, batteries and first aid kit.
• Stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, blankets, and pet supplies.
• Protect your home – Wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing, and keep faucets dripping.
• Have a plan!

⚡Should you experience an outage, be sure to report it to SEC by:

📱Text “#out” to 866-878-5514 using the mobile number on your account.
📞Call 866-878-5514 to report the outage via our automated service.
📱SmartHub App: Tap “Report an Issue/Inquiry”, select “Power Outage”, confirm your account location, and click “Send”.
🌐View outages and estimated restoration times here: https://outage.sec.coop:8181

As Governor Youngkin has officially declared a state of emergency for the State of Virginia in advance of predicted winter storm conditions, we continue to stay on top of updates and keep a close eye on forecasts – we are HERE FOR YOU.