Number affected by power outages increases

Central Electric Cooperative of Mitchell is estimating there are approximately 1,500 member consumers without power as of mid-afternoon on Friday, Jan. 22.

Many rural Residents of Buffalo and Brule counties are now without power after power poles and power lines could not withstand a combination of ice and wind.

“Our crews have gotten power restored to approximately 400 members so far today but as many as 300 power poles have been lost this morning as well as many more wire breaks,” said Ken Schlimgen, director of member services and marketing for Central Electric. “Almost all of the new outages have occurred in Buffalo and Brule counties.”

Crews will continue to work into the late evening tonight and throughout the weekend. Additional crews will be arriving on Saturday to help with the restoration efforts. Poles and other necessary material are readily available and should not cause any delays in power restoration efforts.

Member consumers should anticipate the potential for being without power for several days and make the appropriate preparations. Central Electric is urging the public to stay away from ice-covered power lines and be aware of areas where power lines cross roads and highways.

Central Electric Cooperative is a member-owned Touchstone Energy Cooperative. The cooperative serves rural members in Davison, Hanson, Miner, Sanborn, Jerauld, Buffalo, Brule, and Aurora counties with offices in Mitchell, Plankinton, Kimball, Wessington Springs and Howard.

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