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Power Restoration

Outage FAQs

Lights out?

 

Power outages occur for a variety of reasons. They typically result from

lightning striking power equipment, from tree limbs or other vegetation

falling on electric wires, from animals coming in contact with lines, or from

equipment malfunction.

But one of CVEC's top priorities is reliable service. We have a three part

strategy for service reliability:

• Keep the lights on by reducing faults.

• Limit the impact when faults do occur.
• Respond and repair as quickly as possible.

You can read more about our reliability strategy here.

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If You Lose Power:

• Before calling the Co-op during a power outage, check to see if
  others in your area have lost power. This information will help us
  determine the cause of the outage. If others have lights and you
  don't, check your home's panel box. A blown fuse or tripped circuit
  breaker could be at fault.
• If you've determined that the source of the interruption is outside
  your home, call the Co-op at once. Keep the CVEC phone number
  near your phone so you can find it quickly ... 800-367-2832. The
  fastest and easiest way to report your outage is to use the
  Automated Voice Response (AVR) system, simply verifying your
  account or primary phone number. This process allows CVEC to
  handle upwards of 1,000 calls per hour and enter the outage
  information into the Outage Management System (OMS). As
  calls come in, the OMS will analyze the data and predict the fault
  locations on each circuit (at least the first fault location on the
  circuit exiting the substation) and dispatch a crew to where they
  can do the most good.
• If you are without power for an extended period, turn off large electric
  appliances and equipment. Once lines begin to be energized, a period of
  “cold load pickup” can place tremendous stress on the power lines. Turning on large appliances gradually, after power has been restored, prevents circuits from being overloaded. Leave a light or two on so that you will know when power is once again flowing.
• Keep one lamp on so you will know when the power is restored.
• Keep the door to your refrigerator or freezer closed. If your door seals are tight, your food will normally be safe for several hours without power.
• If you have a battery-powered radio, listen to local stations for news.
• Once your power has been restored, remember to plug in or turn on any needed electric appliances or equipment that you shut off during the outage. Also restock your emergency supplies.

 

Stay Away From Downed Power Lines!

Our crews are on call and will respond 24 hours a day
to restore service as quickly as possible.
Call CVEC at 800-367-2832.

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Right-of-Ways

CVEC’s 4,500 miles of distribution line can be damaged and service interrupted by trees that grow up into the lines or into the 40 feet cleared right-of-way. Periodically CVEC crews or contractors will trim, bushhog or spray trees in the right-of-ways (ROW) to ensure reliable service. More info about the CVEC ROW program can be found here.

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Planned Outages:

As part of ongoing system improvement work, it is necessary on occasions to de-energize a line section. This often occurs when CVEC is upgrading from 7,200 volts to 14,400 volts or when safety considerations during repair work require it. CVEC will notify members by postcard, email, or telephone in advance when possible, unless emergency repairs arise and prevent notification.

 

 

 

Corporate Headquarters:

800 Cooperative Way

Arrington, VA 22922

Payments:

Dept. 1340  |  PO Box 2153

Birmingham, AL 35287-1340

Correspondence:

P. O. Box 247

Lovingston, VA 22949