Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative is asking consumer-members south of the intercoastal canal to be prepared for extended power outages during Winter Storm Uri.
Since Hurricane Laura, all consumer-members in this area able to take power have been receiving power from mobile generation assets. These mobile assets are powered by tanker trucks of liquid propane gas. Due to the extreme temperatures and hazardous road conditions, tanker trucks are not able to travel on iced highways.
"We are expecting our generators at the substations to run out of gas by Tuesday morning," said JDEC General Manager Mike Heinen. "We are working with local officials and the supplier to get those deliveries as safely and quickly as possible."
The Fulton substation was refueled as a temporary measure but is expected to run out of gas again in 4-5 hours. The remaining substations south of Intercoastal Canal are expected to run out of fuel by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
JDEC is asking consumer-members to conserve power by
• Turning down thermostats to 68 degrees
• Closing shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows
• Turning off and unplugging all non-essential appliances and lights
• Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.)
• Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity consuming equipment as much as possible
• Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes
For your safety, JDEC also reminds you to stay away from downed powerlines. Always assume they are energized. Contact JDEC to report downed wires or an outage. Do not clear any right-of-way to personal property until electric cooperatives clears right-of-way for you. There are numerous life-threatening hazards as well as potential to do more damage to JDEC's system. Please wait until JDEC is available to clear a path for you.
If you plan to use a generator, remember generators should be hooked up properly according to the manufacturer's recommendations by a licensed electrician with a switch that isolates the utility from the consumers generator. Do not overload it and turn it off at night when you're asleep or if you leave your home. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, place portable generators outside in a well-ventilated area, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. Never run a generator inside, not even in your garage. Do not connect the generator directly into your home's main fuse box or circuit panel.
To stay warm wear layers of loose-fitting clothes, blankets, and a hat to preserve body heat. Use a carbon monoxide detector and ventilate gas/kerosene heaters. Also do not use gas stoves/ovens to heat your home.
JDEC strongly encourages everyone to conserve energy over the next few days as the temperatures remain extremely cold.
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