News : Storms, High Wind Cause Power Outages

A strong line of thunder storms with extremely high winds resulted in significant damage to the electrical distribution system of East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative early this morning in Benton County. As of 7:00 a.m. 3,300 services were without power. Nine substations were not operating due to damage to the transmission lines serving them. According to Manager of Operations and Engineering, Steve Marlow, the worst of the damage was an east-west strip five miles on either side of Vinton across Benton County. However, falling trees due to the high winds caused damage to poles and wire over a wider area. Line crews totaling 26 line personnel and 15 trucks from a contractor and various neighboring electric cooperatives were in the area making repairs by early afternoon. As of 3:30 p.m., service had been restored to 2,000 of the 3,300 initially without power. They will work until 8:00 or 9:00 tonight and resume work first thing in the morning. CEO, Harry Ruth, reports that, unfortunately, East-Central will probably not be able to restore power to everyone by tonight. Approximately, 800 members may spend the night without power. “We ask our members to be patient,” said CEO Ruth. “The damage was extensive. Plus we must work with the owners of the transmission system to restore power to our substations.” East-Central will provide additional information on power restoration efforts tomorrow morning, July 12.

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