HEMC Operations Manager Rob Rowland meets with crews ahead of Sunday’s expected ice storm. They discussed restoration plans, safety measures and work schedules in the event outages. Plans include providing an estimated time of restoration (ETR) so members can stay better informed.
Local utility crews are preparing for a possible ice event in North Georgia this weekend. The forecast calls for freezing rain Sunday morning with up to one-quarter-inch of ice accumulation possible.
Habersham EMC issued a statement saying it’s monitoring the weather conditions in the northern parts of its service territory in Habersham, Rabun and Stephens counties. “Contingency plans are in place to address problems associated with ice accumulation, ice forming on tree limbs and power lines which can cause damage and outages to the distribution system,” the statement reads.
The local cooperative has experienced at least two significant power outages due to severe weather in recent months. Hurricane Irma and Winter Storm Benji both knocked out power to HEMC members for days due to fallen trees and downed power lines. The local cooperative upgraded its outage reporting system and implemented other changes in the wake of those events. It’s now assuring members it’s ready to respond in the event of more outages this weekend.
“Crews have prepared trucks with emergency equipment and necessary materials should the weather become severe. HEMC has stocked poles, wire, connectors, transformers, extra fuel and other supplies frequently used in the restoration process. Vendors have been contacted to be on standby in case additional materials are needed,” according to the cooperative.
HEMC encourages its members to also make preparation plans. A detailed list of needed supplies can be found by visiting ready.gov
In the event of an outage, HEMC asks that members call (706) 754-2114, (706) 865-4362 or (800) 640-6812. To keep informed, members can access an outage map at HEMC’s website, www.habershamemc.com.
