When you last watched a home improvement show, did you notice how the actors snap their fingers, and the project is done? That is called a jump cut.  

While we wish we could “jump cut” from a power outage to power restoration, it can often take much more effort and people to make it happen.  

We often get asked about power outages and why it can take an extended time to get the lights back on. I would like to shed some light on the power restoration process to help you understand what may be happening behind the scenes.  

We need you.  Even with the best technology in place, we still rely on you to report your outage to us.  You can report an outage through SmartHub or by calling 800-552-2622.  

It is a team effort. Every one of KV REMC’s employees is working to get your power restored. Our CSRs take the calls, line crews survey damage and clear hazards, dispatch and organize crews, and communicators keep everyone informed of the progress. We all work for the same goal: to get your power restored quickly while keeping safety as our number one priority. 

We assess the situation first.  Every outage is different, and we don’t know the cause or what equipment might need to be replaced. When crews respond to outages, they first need to see the cause and determine if and what materials are needed. They can then develop a plan to fix the problem without compromising the electric flow for the rest of the membership. 

We have a plan. Restoration is typically prioritized by the number of members we can restore power to in the shortest time.  Our crews focus on responding to public safety issues and critical services first.  Then, we complete work that impacts the most significant number of people.  

You need a backup plan.  We understand that some of our members depend on electricity for life support purposes, but you must have a backup plan when power outages occur. We don’t always know how long restoration will take. 

Sometimes it’s a waiting game. Our section of the electrical grid is linked to other utility companies. If our outage is caused by a problem with the transmission feed into our substations, we must allow them to complete their repairs. We can sometimes supply power from another substation to those affected, providing temporary restoration until the other utility completes its repairs. 

We do our best to avoid power disruptions, which are inevitable occasionally.  If the lights go out, know your co-op team is working quickly and safely to restore power.