Rappahannock Electric Cooperative prepares for widespread power outages

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) — Rappahannock Electric Cooperative anticipates widespread power outages for its customers due to heavy ice accumulation expected Sunday.

Casey Hollins, spokesperson for the service provider said the utility already has crews stationed across the 22 counties it covers, ready to begin repairs once the snow stops.

The company is urging customers to prepare for power loss, particularly with freezing temperatures expected.

Hollins said customers should be ready to report outages and understand that crew deployment depends on safety conditions.

“One of the easiest ways is to text your outage to us. Almost everybody has a mobile device, and you probably have plans already to make sure that those devices are charged throughout the storm,” Hollins said.

Customers looking to text report outages can do so to: 63273.

Calls can be made to 1-800-552-3904. Hollins said the contact center will be fully staffed.

Reports can also be made on their website.

Hollins assured customers that crews will be ready to respond to any and all outages.

“We don’t hold our crews back when power outages occur. We do send our crews out as long as conditions are safe,” Hollins said. “If trees are falling, limbs are falling in areas where there are outages where we need to send them, then we will delay them until those conditions improve.”

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