Utility crews assess storm damage, begin restoration efforts in affected areas

Utility teams are still evaluating storm damage across the system, including inventorying broken poles, according to company officials. Crews have started restoring three-phase lines and are working to bring circuits back online as conditions permit.

Restoration efforts are concentrated on key substations, including Sardis Lake, College Hill, and Industrial Park. From these points, crews are working to restore power pole by pole. The company is also awaiting assistance from TVA to restore lines to the West Oxford substation, which serves areas from Oxford to Batesville, and to the Taylor substation, serving areas from Oxford to Water Valley through Taylor.

Contract crews are already on site, with additional crews arriving soon. Mutual aid from other electric cooperatives will continue throughout the week. Officials emphasize safety as the top priority, noting that the restoration process will be slow and gradual.

Power is not expected to be fully restored within the usual timeframes, and officials ask for patience and understanding as crews work carefully to restore service.

Source: Original Article