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Latest Updates/News
HURRICANE DOLLY RESTORATION
Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 4:00 pm
Dolly made landfall at approximately 1 pm on South Padre Island. Consumers in NEC's service area continue to experience high wind, heavy rain, and tornados. At this time, NEC has had a total of 42 outages reported in its service area as a result of Hurricane Dolly. 17 of these remain without power at this time. For current outage statistics, members and the public may monitor our Restoration Progress by Substation Statistics.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 10:00 am
NEC continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Dolly. Many NEC members are likely to experience tropical storm conditions today. Members will likely experience electric power outages as a result of tornados, high winds, lightning and flash flooding that could be associated with the storm's landfall forecasted for today. NEC's standard approach to restoration is detailed in the Power Restoration Image and the process calls for repair to those facilities that will restore service to the largest number of customers first, such as transmission lines, substations, and distribution feeder lines. Nueces Electric Co-op delivers power to 11,903 member-consumers in parts of 8 South Texas counties (Nueces, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Kenedy, Duvall, Live Oak, McMullen & Brooks).
Consumers in the eight counties served by Nueces Co-op are encouraged to consider the electric safety tips, provided below, during and after the storm. We are advising life support consumers and senior citizens who are sensitive to heat to make arrangements to move to sites with power to ensure their safety. Other important information is provided below for NEC members.
Monday, July 21, 2008, 8:00 am
NEC has activated its Emergency Response Plan in anticipation of Tropical Storm Dolly's landfall. NEC's generation and transmission partner, South Texas Electric Cooperative, also activated its emergency response plan in anticipation of Hurricane Dolly's landfall. Should Dolly make landfall in the area, Nueces Electric Cooperative consumers will likely experience electric power outages as a result of tornados, high winds, lightning and flash flooding that could be associated with the storm's landfall forecasted for the middle of the week. Where this storm makes landfall will ultimately determine the extent of damage and hazardous conditions, and, of course, the extent of any inconvenience to residents. If impacted, NEC anticipates extensive outages and damage to its system that may result in prolonged power outages to some NEC members. The co-op has plans in place to begin damage assessment and restoration efforts as soon as it is safe to do so following the storm's landfall. Both power poles and trees are especially vulnerable to the winds associated with this storm due to the recent rains in South Texas that have left the ground saturated. Our standard approach to restoration is detailed in the Power Restoration Image and is to repair those facilities that will restore service to the largest number of customers first, such as transmission lines, substations, and distribution feeder lines. Nueces Electric Co-op delivers power to 11,903 member-consumers in parts of 8 South Texas counties (Nueces, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Kenedy, Duvall, Live Oak, McMullen & Brooks).
Consumers in the eight counties served by Nueces Co-op are encouraged to consider electric safety during and after the storm. We are advising life support consumers and senior citizens who are sensitive to heat to make arrangements to move to sites with power to ensure their safety. Other important information is provided below for NEC members.
Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:00 am
Today, NEC began monitoring the progress of as tropical wave (now known as Hurricane Dolly) and its forecast track.
If used improperly, a backup generator can make life a lot more dangerous! If you plan to use a portable backup generator for temporary electric power, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to protect you and your family. Also, DO NOT connect the generator to the house wiring unless you have had a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system, including the installation of a transfer switch to isolate the generator from the electric utility service. Without the transfer switch, the power from the generator will “backfeed” through the transformer and raise the voltage to 7,200 volts, a level that can easily kill any serviceman trying to restore the power down the line. In addition, when the power is restored, it may cause an electrical fire and/or destroy the generator.
Assume that any downed power line is “live.” If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch or approach the lines. Notify your utility company or local law enforcement authorities as soon as possible that the lines have been damaged, or that the lines are down. Do not attempt to move or repair the power lines. If you can, stay nearby to warn others away from the downed line.
If you have appliances or equipment exposed to water, never assume they are safe to use after they have dried. Before you try to use any electrical appliance that has been exposed to water, take it to a qualified service technician. The item may be fine, it may need reconditioning, or it might require replacement.
With a storm of this magnitude, phone lines can get very busy. Rest assured that—if this hurricane affects the area—the co-op has crews working to restore co-op members’ electric service, and all of their phone lines are manned around the clock. Stay tuned to local news media for further updates, especially if you cannot get through to the co-op by telephone by calling 1-800-NEC-WATT. When possible following the storm, NEC will also update its “Crisis Center” on its website. Nueces Electric Co-op appreciates its members’ patience and support during this time.