Progress continues to be made on power restoration
to Corn Belt Energy members

 

[November 27, 2018] 

High winds, ice, and snow throughout the Corn Belt Energy service territory Sunday evening and Monday morning resulted in damage to several substations, broken poles, and many downed lines. Although greater than half of the outages reported by the initial storm have been restored, approximately 729 members remain without power, most of which have been out since late Sunday evening or early Monday morning.

The majority of the remaining damage is located in the northern portions of the Corn Belt Energy service territory. With over 25 broken poles in our northern service area, Corn Belt Energy has dedicated two crews to framing and setting poles. All other Corn Belt Energy crews as well as crews from two other electric utilities (City of Geneseo and Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative) continue to work on repairing other storm related damage. Corn Belt Energy continues to make safety and restoration of power a top priority.

At this time, we do not have estimated safe restoration times for the majority of the outages remaining. Even with the outside assistance, restoration times could be prolonged in some areas. Corn Belt Energy encourages members to check on neighbors who may be without power, especially the elderly and those with physical limitations. We urge members who are concerned about prolonged outages to find an alternative location to stay such as a relative or friend’s home or a local warming center.

We encourage members to contact us at 1-800-879-0339 to report power outages and downed lines or poles.

As a reminder, people should not go near any downed power lines, downed poles, or trees near lines. To check for outage updates, members can call 1-800-879-0339 or use their cell phone to view outage updates at www.cornbelt energy.com

About Corn Belt Energy

Started in 1938 to bring electricity to rural Central Illinois, Corn Belt Energy Corporation now distributes electricity to over 36,000 households and businesses throughout 18 counties. One of the largest cooperatives in Illinois, Corn Belt Energy employs 85 people, maintains over 5,000 miles of line, and distributes electricity from the Wabash Valley Power Association, a generation and transmission cooperative based in Indiana. As a not-for-profit energy cooperative, Corn Belt Energy is owned by the members it serves and is committed to providing reliable, affordable energy. Governed by 13 directors who are themselves residential members, Corn Belt also supports energy efficiency, education, and safety initiatives. Learn more at www.cornbeltenergy.com.

[Hillary Cherry, Director of Communications & Marketing]