A Step-by-Step Look at Power Restoration
Whenever the electricity goes out, we’ve come to expect service will be restored within a few hours at most. But when a major ice storm or tornadoes cause widespread damage, longer outages cannot be helped. Line crews work long, hard hours restoring service, but it’s a task that needs to be done methodically to be done safely.
Every co-op follows a basic principle when it comes to restoring power: priority goes to the lines that will get the most people back in service the quickest. This usually begins with main lines and continues out to tap lines and then to individual service lines.
Restoring Power from NRECA on Vimeo.
OUTAGE RESTORATION STEPS
Restoring power during widespread outages involves much more than flipping a switch or removing a fallen tree off a line. At each stage of the restoration process, C&L Electric crews work to restore power safely to the greatest number of our members in the shortest time possible.
Remember to report an outage, even if you think a neighbor already has. This helps co-op employees isolate and repair the problem. Just call 855-881-8093.
Here are the steps we take when restoring power:
1. High-voltage Transmission Lines
Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. When damaged, though, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.
2. Distribution Substation
C&L Electric has 21 substations, each serving up to thousands of members. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect the substation to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation or the substation itself or an issue down the line.
3. Main Distribution Lines
If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of members in communities or housing developments. When power is restored at this stage, all members served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is no problem farther down the line.
4. Tap Lines
If an outage persists, supply lines, also called tap lines, are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes.
5. Individual Homes
If a home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and the home may need to be repaired. This can explain why you have no power when your neighbor does. This illustrates why it is important for you always to report an outage.
Sometimes an outage is caused by a problem with the service installation on your home, business, or other building. C&L Electric can’t fix anything beyond our equipment, so a licensed electrician is needed in those cases.
