Overnight, Isaias made landfall near Destin, Fla., as a Category 2 hurricane leaving a path of destruction in its wake. As it moved inland across the CEC service area and other parts Alabama, it continued to produce heavy rainfall, gusty winds, local flooding, falling trees, and downed power lines. New media has reports of blocked roadways, trees on power lines, and scattered outages the state.
CEC has been preparing materials, equipment, and response plans ahead of the storm, and additional line crews are available to assist with restoration efforts if widespread damage occurs. Members are encouraged to continue monitoring weather conditions, report outages promptly, and stay clear of any downed power lines. If you or a family member rely on electrically powered medical equipment, now is the time to ensure alternate arrangements are in place should extended outages occur.
Following a major storm like Isaias, restoring power is a complex process that begins only after conditions are safe for crews to work. While many members understandably want power restored as quickly as possible, significant work must take place before repairs can begin.
CEC’s Strategic Process of Power Restoration is Underway
Damage Assessment
Line crews, staking personnel, and others are inspecting the CEC electric system to determine the full extent of damage. This assessment is critical in helping to identify what equipment, materials, and personnel are needed for restoration and in what areas. We know that we have broken poles, downed trees and power lines, and other damaged equipment. County and state employees are working to clear roadways in affected areas.
Restoration of Transmission Lines and Substations
Transmission lines and substations must be fully operational for electric distributions systems to provide power. If any repairs are needed at these facilities, this work must completed first before power can flow to CEC’s distribution circuits.
Repair of Main Distribution Lines then Secondary Lines
Once major infrastructure is restored, crews must focus on repairing primary three-phase distribution lines first because these lines feed our single phase lines and individual taps to homes and some businesses.
Restoration of Individual Services
The final step involves repairing individual service lines and meters serving single homes or businesses that may still be without power after larger repairs have been completed.
System Inspection and Follow-Up Repairs
Even after power is restored, crews continue inspecting the system, replacing temporary repairs with permanent solutions, and addressing any remaining storm-related damage.
Because restoration starts with repairs that return power to the largest number of members first, some individual outages may remain even after more populated areas are restored. This approach allows power to be restored to the greatest number of members in the shortest amount of time, and it’s necessary to get power to the smaller lines and taps.
CEC sincerely appreciates the patience and support of our members during this major weather event. Our employees and mutual aid crews are still assessing damage and some are already making repairs in some areas with minimal damage. Remember, never approach a downed power line and always assume it is energized. If you see a downed line, stay away and report it immediately by calling 800-239-1193 or use the free CEC app.