Crisis Center

Crisis Center

News Releases

Nueces Electric Co-op TROPICAL STORM HERMINE Update (Tuesday, September 7, noon)

Nueces Electric Cooperative activated its emergency response plan Monday in anticipation of a Tropical Storm Hermine’s landfall that could impact consumers in the NEC electric delivery area along and near the South Texas Coastal Bend. Nueces Electric Co-op serves consumers with approximately 17,144 electric services in parts of eight counties -including Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Jim Wells, Duval, Live Oak, Brooks, and McMullen.

Overnight, transmission system failures caused the complete loss of power to 6 NEC substations and caused power outages to over 5,500 NEC members. At this time, all but approximately 429 services have power restored. NEC began damage assessment as soon as it was safe for linemen to move into the field following the storm’s track through the NEC area. At this time the transmission failures have been resolved. The next step of our emergency restoration process calls for NEC crews to check the distribution circuits and feeders for damage, before energizing these lines. While damage assessments are still coming in, NEC hopes to have the majority of these remaining members’ power restored sometime today.

Safety for our employees and the public remain our top priority. 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 which includes 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 back feed through the transformer and raise the voltage to 7,200 which can easily kill the 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.

Nueces Electric Co-op Activates Emergency Plans for TROPICAL STORM HERMINE (Monday, September 6, 4:00 p.m.)

Nueces Electric Cooperative activated its emergency response plan for Tropical Storm Hermine at 3:00 p.m. on Labor Day, September 6, 2010. NEC consumers may experience electric power outages as a result of tornados, high winds, lightning and flash flooding that could be associated with outer bands of Tropical Storm Hermine's landfall forecasted for tonight south of Brownsville. 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.

Nueces Electric Co-op delivers power to 17,144 member services in parts of 8 South Texas counties (Nueces, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Kenedy, Duvall, Live Oak, McMullen & Brooks). The NEC service area may experience tropical storm conditions, torrential rains & flooding, and the potential for tornados as a result of the tropical cyclone. NEC members are encouraged to activate their family emergency plans. Please be aware of safety hazards and report dangerous conditions to NEC or your local law enforcement immediately. Consumers in the eight counties served by Nueces Electric Co-op are encouraged to consider electric safety before, during and after the storm. NEC advises life support consumers and senior citizens who are sensitive to heat to make arrangements to evacuate/ move to sites with power to ensure their safety.We encourage NEC members and the public to be aware of safety hazards and report them immediately to NEC or your local law enforcement officials. Especially recognize the following potential dangers:

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.

Generators

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.

Downed Power Lines

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.

Wiring and Appliances Exposed to Water

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.

Phone Lines and Outage Reporting

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 this station 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 at www.nueceselectric.org. Nueces Electric Co-op appreciates its members’ patience and support during this time.