January 4, 2025 – Ahead of the winter storm forecast for Kentucky on Sunday and Monday, here is an update and some information from Kentucky Electric Cooperatives, the association of all 26 electric cooperatives in Kentucky.
- Each local electric cooperative is owned by the members it serves. Kentucky Electric Cooperatives is the association which supports the co-ops, including communications support and the coordination of mutual aid during large-scale power restoration efforts.
- Kentucky Electric Cooperatives’ Joe Arnold is available for video conference and telephone interviews. Call his mobile phone 502-905-8168 or email jarnold@kyelectric.coop.
- Each local electric cooperative updates its own members on local power restoration.
- Co-ops are concerned about ice accumulation
- Weight: Ice accumulation on power lines adds weight and pressure. Just a quarter-inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds of weight per span of line, causing lines to sag or snap. When ice builds up to half an inch or greater, it can bring down power lines and utility poles. Telephone lines and communications cables potentially add hundreds more pounds of ice per span.
- Galloping: Ice can also cause “galloping,” where wind makes icy wires move dangerously, increasing the risk of wires touching, short circuits, or power outages.
- Trees: Ice accumulation can bring down tree limbs and entire trees onto power lines, causing widespread outages. Residents should never attempt to remove tree limbs or debris from power lines. Even if the wires appear safe, they may still be energized, posing a deadly electrocution risk. Always report downed lines to your local utility and stay at least 30 feet away for safety.
- Weight: Ice accumulation on power lines adds weight and pressure. Just a quarter-inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds of weight per span of line, causing lines to sag or snap. When ice builds up to half an inch or greater, it can bring down power lines and utility poles. Telephone lines and communications cables potentially add hundreds more pounds of ice per span.
- Heating sources
- Avoid using alternative heating sources such as portable generators, kerosene heaters, propane gas stoves and ovens heated with gasoline indoors because this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window. They should be used at least 20 feet away from windows.
- Don’t burn items in a stove or fireplace that isn’t properly vented.
- Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
- Avoid using alternative heating sources such as portable generators, kerosene heaters, propane gas stoves and ovens heated with gasoline indoors because this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Generator safety
- Never plug a stationary generator into a wall outlet. This process is called “backfeeding” and can be deadly. “Backfeeding” sends power out through the main breaker to the transformer. It then converts it to volts and tries to energize local utility lines. Workers attempting to restore power might unexpectedly encounter this high voltage, which could cause fatal shock. To prevent a “backfeed,” have a professional install a transfer switch.
- Never plug a stationary generator into a wall outlet. This process is called “backfeeding” and can be deadly. “Backfeeding” sends power out through the main breaker to the transformer. It then converts it to volts and tries to energize local utility lines. Workers attempting to restore power might unexpectedly encounter this high voltage, which could cause fatal shock. To prevent a “backfeed,” have a professional install a transfer switch.
- Be prepared
- Stock up on supplies before winter weather impacts our area. Keep your phone charging as much as possible. Be prepared for extended power outages and keep the following supplies on hand:
- water (one gallon per person per day, for several days)
- food (three-day supply of non-perishables)
- flashlights
- First Aid Kit/prescriptions
- extra batteries/wireless phone chargers
- manual can opener
- extra blankets
- moist towelettes
- extra pet food
- Stock up on supplies before winter weather impacts our area. Keep your phone charging as much as possible. Be prepared for extended power outages and keep the following supplies on hand:
About Kentucky Electric Cooperatives:
Kentucky’s electric cooperatives serve more than 1.8 million people – about 35% of the state’s population – in 117 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The statewide association provides representation before the General Assembly, Congress, and regulatory bodies: safety training; coordination of management training; and public relations support including publication of Kentucky Living magazine. Kentucky Electric Cooperatives is governed by a board consisting of one manager and one director from each of its 26 member systems and is headquartered in Louisville.