Pearl River Valley Electric responding to outages as Issac crosses service area | News

The following is a press release from the Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association:

Pearl River Valley Electric crewmen responded to minor outages throughout last night and will continue to do so during the day today as long as conditions allow. So far, no significant damage has been experienced around the system, as Issac’s heaviest winds and rain have stayed mostly to the southwest. However, feeder bands with heavy winds and rain are expected to move through the area over the next 24 hours.

As of 8:30 a.m., approximately 500 members were without service, with most of those in Marion County. Fewer than 200 members were affected by outages overnight.

Pearl River Valley Electric has made plans to react to any major service problems caused by Hurricane Issac as it continues to pass through south Mississippi. After the storm fully passes, employees will assess overall damage to the system. If there is extensive damage, the Association will implement additional emergency plans for restoring power.

Updated information about outages and restoration efforts will be provided regularly to all local media outlets. Storm-related information can also be found at www.PRVEPA.com.

The number to report outages or downed lines is 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372). Members should update their contact numbers in order to be able to report outages efficiently.

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association serves more than 47,000 member-consumers in parts of 12 counties in south Mississippi. The Association’s headquarters is in Columbia, with district offices located in Hattiesburg, Purvis and Wiggins.

SAFETY/PRECAUTIONS

Anyone who sees a broken or burning wire should stay away and call Pearl River Valley Electric or local authorities. Warn others to keep clear of the fallen line and avoid contact with trees, fences or anything else the line may be touching.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

During extended outages, some members may use portable generators at their homes or businesses. It’s very important to use all generators correctly. Do not use an extension cord to plug a generator into a household outlet. This can cause serious injury to you and/or restoration crews. Instead, only connect appliances directly to the generator. If you have any questions about the use of a generator, visit www.PRVEPA.com or call PRVEPA and ask for generator assistance.

REPORTING OUTAGES

Once the hurricane has moved through the area, members should replace any blown fuses or reset any tripped breakers in their homes. If the line connecting a house or business to the distribution pole is damaged, call to report an outage. If an entire neighborhood is without power, call once and then monitor news reports to follow restoration progress. Pearl River Valley Electric’s automated phone system is the fastest, easiest way to report an outage. It’s not necessary to talk with a customer service representative.

HOME ELECTRICAL DAMAGE

As Pearl River Valley Electric crews make repairs to the electric system, it is important that members make sure the electric facilities at their homes or businesses are intact. Pearl River Valley Electric cannot restore electricity wherever electric meter boxes or service entrance pipes on the side of a facility are damaged. Members are responsible for contacting a licensed electrician to have those repairs made and may then call to have power restored.