Submitted
WAKEENEY — At Western Cooperative Electric, we strive to serve our members with a constant, reliable source of electricity. However, freezing rain mixed with severe wind has caused power outages across a large section of our service area. Our goal is to safely restore electrical service to every home and business as quickly as possible. However, we know that some members may experience an extended delay in service.
We ask for your patience as we do our best to respond to the effects of this storm. The weather conditions that caused significant outages have also made getting around the countryside difficult. As of 4:00 p.m., Western has power outages affecting approximately 3,000 meters. The power outage areas most impacted include Rooks, Ellis, Trego, Rush, Graham, and Osborne counties.
Power is first restored to substations, major lines, and critical infrastructure when an outage occurs. Line crews are making significant progress toward repairing substations lines and hope to have most of the main feeds restored by the end of the day.
Currently, we are aware of roughly 150 downed power poles, which equates to over seven miles of downed power poles. That number could climb as crews continue to assess the damage. With so much severe damage, some residents and businesses could be without electricity for an extended time.
Western has requested assistance from other power companies who participate in the Kansas mutual aid program. Eighteen linemen from J and J Powerline Contractors, Southern Pioneer, and Wheatland Electric will work with the Western crews to restore power quickly and safely.
Although we post service updates to social media, we do not monitor social media for reports of outages. All emergencies must be reported by phone. To report an outage or a downed power line, call 1-800-456-6720. To view a real-time outage map or receive updates, visit our website at www.westerncoop.com.
Midwest Energy's outage viewer also reported about 4,000 customers affected ranging from Kinsley to Plainville. Click HERE for the Midwest outage viewer.