SVEC Advises Members
MT. CRAWFORD – Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) is suggesting that all members prepare for extremely warm temperatures that are expected to hit the Valley today and into tomorrow.
Please make sure to drink plenty of fluids, try to stay indoors, and contact emergency centers if needed.
“Currently, the situation our members are facing has the potential to turn quite serious,” SVEC President & CEO Myron Rummel said. “We encourage our members to take necessary steps to protect their health during the next several days until power is restored.”
In addition to monitoring the high temperatures that are expected, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative is continuing work to restore power to all members following last night’s storm. When all power is restored, the demand on the system will be considerable. The combination of the forecast high temperatures, in addition to the sudden demand placed on the system following restoration, could result in a “cold load” scenario.
A “cold load” situation can occur following power restoration, when many electronic items in a home will all be coming on at once. When this happens, it creates an artificially high demand for power and puts a lot of load on the distribution system. In order to try and prevent a “cold load” instance, SVEC is asking that members turn off and unplug all unnecessary items. Leave one light bulb on, so that when power is restored, you will be able to tell quickly and easily.
“The forecast heat, which will lead to high demand placed on the system, coupled with the load once power is restored, could lead to a ‘cold load’ situation,” Rummel continued. “Any assistance members can give, by taking measures such as turning off and unplugging all unnecessary items, is greatly appreciated at this time.”
Remember to be safe. Do not make any attempts to clear trees or other debris from power lines. Note the location, and any other important information regarding these situations, and contact SVEC. Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative will work to ensure that power is restored as soon as possible. As a reminder, individuals are encouraged to avoid contact with downed power lines.
In the event that you lose power and you are an SVEC member, call SVEC at 1-800-234-7832, even if you think your neighbor may have called. It is more effective for SVEC to know where all outages are located.
Chartered in 1936, SVEC serves more than 92,000 member/owners’ accounts in the counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren and the city of Winchester in Virginia. Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative was the first electric cooperative chartered in Virginia.