More than 10,000 customers unable to receive power

Crews have fully restored critical infrastructure across Alabama Power’s territory, completing the work needed to bring electric service to all Alabama Power communities.
By the end of the day today, the company expects to have power restored to 99.9 percent of customers who can take electric service.

Despite the progress, the devastating April 27 storms and tornadoes have left more than 10,000 Alabama Power customers with so much damage to their homes that they are unable to receive power from the company. In hundreds of cases, the homes that Alabama Power served no longer exist.

“Our hearts go out to our customers who have suffered so much,” said Charles McCrary, Alabama Power president and CEO. “We will continue to work to assist all our customers during this very difficult time.”       

In all, 412,000 customers were without power at the peak of the storms. The historic tornadoes and severe weather damaged or destroyed more than 5,200 poles and more than 400 transmission system structures. In addition, more than 300 substations lost power and six substations were either destroyed or suffered significant damage. In many places, the electrical system has to be completely rebuilt.

Although critical infrastructure has been repaired, construction is expected to continue for weeks as the company replaces interim equipment used to speed restoration with permanent structures.

Crews from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Carolinas joined Alabama Power crews and support staff in the effort to restore power to all customers. At the peak of the restoration operation, about 10,000 personnel were working across Alabama Power territory to restore power.

Notice regarding lake conditions: Boaters and other users of Alabama Power lakes are advised to use caution on company reservoirs because of the large amount of debris in the water following the storms. This week, Alabama Power crews are helping coordinate cleanups on Lake Neely Henry and Lake Martin. They will help remove man-made debris from the lakes. These efforts support emergency cleanups only. The company will continue to monitor all lakes and reservoirs for debris. Lake users can call the automated Reservoir Information System at 1-800-LAKES11 for information about lake conditions.

Safety tips

As power is restored, Alabama Power wants to emphasize the continuing importance of safety, since many areas still contain a variety of hazards. 

• If power is still out, please call Alabama Power’s automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726). It is the fastest way to report an outage or a hazardous situation, such as a downed power line.
• Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Stay away from areas where repair crews are working.
• Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines. Call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-APCO (2726) or contact a local law enforcement agency if downed lines are spotted.

Generator safety
 
More and more people are purchasing portable generators to keep appliances running during outages. While generators can be a convenience, they can also be deadly when used improperly.

• Read and follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator. 
• Do not plug in portable generators to your household wiring. This can cause serious injury to you and to Alabama Power employees working on the lines in your neighborhood. Connect only essential appliances – such as freezers and refrigerators – directly to the generator.
• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area that is away from air intakes to the home, including window air conditioners. A good location is an open shed. Never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides electric service to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.