Independence neighborhood experiences worst power outage in three decades - KMBC Kansas City
Independence neighborhood experiences worst power outage in 30 years
Independence neighborhood experiences worst power outage in three decades
Independence residents are grappling with a significant power outage, leaving them without internet, television, and air conditioning.
"See the trees twisting around in the wind and blowing probably as hard as I've ever seen them," said Jack Jensen, a homeowner in the Country Meadows neighborhood.
Jensen noted that power outages are a rarity in this area as the lines are buried. However, he found himself without power.
On Monday, more than 800 families in the neighborhood were without power. Jensen revealed the extent of the impact. Jensen says they've thrown out their food and emptied their fridge.
"Just trying to figure out where you're going to go eat next because you don't have any electricity to cook with," Jensen said.
JoBeth Herrick, another Independence homeowner, lives around the block near Lee's Summit Road and East 52nd Street. She experienced the power of the winds firsthand.
"I saw the wind just whipping all the trees and everything in the back," she said. "After I came out and looked at, I'm like, OK, I definitely need a professional."
However, there was some relief on Monday afternoon. Independence Power and Light fixed the issue.
"The power is back. Neighbors say this will be one of the most memorable holiday weekends."
As of late Monday night, there are still about 40 outages around Independence at this hour.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: electricity
Electricity is a secondary energy source: it is generated through the conversion of primary energy sources such as natural gas, coal, solar, hydropower, and wind. Electricity’s versatility is not cost-free: a substantial amount of energy is lost in its generation and the cost of storage is high, compared with fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The economics of battery technology hold the key to expanded use of renewable sources to generate electricity.