Little Rock - Here's the latest update Monday from Petit Jean Electric Coop. Corporation on storm-related power outages:

--Power was restored to around 200 to 250 members Sunday, leaving the number without power at around 4,000 to 4,200 members.

--Crews will be working on taps along Hwy 65 north between Clinton and Dennard, Hwy 16 west toward the Alread area, along Hwy 110 between Shirley and Hwy 65.

--Crews have been able to restore power to most of Holly Mt. and Sally Flat (Mt. Eagle).

--Crews will be working along Hwy 110 between Half Moon Road and Holly Mt. Road.

--Crews are replacing poles on South Mt. in the Marshall area. Crews are also replacing poles toward the Witt Spring area.

--Crews in the Marshall area have restored power on the main feeder between Marshall and Harriet; some taps remain out due to damaged poles. Power along the main feeder from Baker to Campbell Creek and from Campbell Creek to Landis has been restored. Crews will be working along Hwy 66 toward the Oxley area.

--There are 128 extra crewmen from five Coops and two contract companies working the affected area. Twenty five more linemen and operators are scheduled to arrive here by Tuesday. That will bring the total numbers of those working to rebuild the system to 190.

To give an example of the time required in rebuilding our system: Petit Jean Electric has approximately 1,000 poles that have been broken or damaged because of ice and ice-covered trees and limbs. The replacement time for the simplest pole under the best working conditions is seldom less than 30 minutes, and that does not include hanging the conductor.

The replacement time for a major pole in a difficult location will seldom be less than 2 hours, and does not include the time it takes to get to the location or hanging the conductor.

This storm has caused serious problems for the members of Petit Jean Electric, as well as other Coops and utilities in the affected area. It will take time, and a lot of effort to get to areas that have been damaged.

 

 Email To Friend           Digg It!