Power outages are never convenient. Sometimes, it’s clear why we are left in the dark, like when strikes and thunder rolls. Other times, an outage may come out of the blue. Here are some of the most common causes of power outages:

Weather

•           The most common cause for power outages is Mother Nature. A heavy build-up of ice and snow on power lines, poles and equipment can bring them down.

•           Wind also causes widespread damage. High winds following a heavy ice storm can be particularly devastating.

•           Extremely hot weather can cause power lines to sag into vegetation and can also cause unusually high demand that can overburden transformers and other electrical equipment causing them to fail.

•           Lightning strikes can cause major damage to electrical equipment, transmission towers, wires and poles. If the lights go out in the middle of a thunderstorm, lightning is probably the culprit.

Trees

•           During high winds, snow and ice, tree limbs can snap or entire trees can topple onto power lines. 

Accidents

•           A vehicle hitting a utility pole can break the pole and knock lines from their overhead perch. Excavation work can disturb buried electric service lines causing an outage. Always call 811 before any gardening or digging project.

Animals

•           Squirrels, snakes and other small animals and birds can climb on poles and electrical equipment which may cause a short circuit or equipment to shut down.

Planned outages

•           If WKRECC is performing maintenance or upgrading its equipment, we may need to temporarily turn off the power. Whenever possible, we try to notify members about upcoming planned outages, which is why it’s important to update your contact information.

If you experience an outage, please call WKRECC at 1-877-495-7322 and choose Option 1 to use the automated reporting system. Or, if you have previously signed up for outage texting, text the word “out” to 85700.  While WKRECC has digital systems that automatically detect outages, we combine that information with your outage reports to make sure we have the best, most accurate data possible to assist with our response.  

The length of time it takes to restore power will vary by the cause. West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative shares outage information primarily through our Facebook page. Find and follow us at West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative.

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Weathering a power outage

If you are experiencing a power outage, before calling your electric cooperative, check to see if others in your area are without power. If those around you have power, check your home’s panel box. A blown fuse or tripped circuit could be at fault.

If you’ve determined the outage isn’t due to an issue on your end, or if it’s a widespread outage, report it. Don’t assume others have done so already.

Once you have reported the outage, please know the line crews will work diligently to restore power.

Use WKRECC’s outage map, available at www.wkrecc.com, to track outages.

Follow WKRECC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive restoration updates.