NEC Braces for Winter Storm, Urges Members to Prepare
ROBSTOWN (December 22, 2022) – Nueces Electric Cooperative continues to monitor the winter storm that is forecasted to impact our area this weekend.
NEC’s control center and member services representatives will continue to be available 24/7, and members are encouraged to report any power outages through our phone lines at 1-800-NEC-WATT. Please do not report power outages on Nueces Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page.
“NEC is now in emergency planning mode for a significant weather event. Key personnel will be on hand, and additional line crews are on standby. In addition, NEC always maintains a stock of poles, transformers and other equipment, and personnel are coordinating with suppliers should we need additional materials,” CEO, Varzavand “Avan” Irani said.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has stated the power grid will have sufficient generation to meet the demand during this weather event. Localized power outages may still occur due to high winds. In the event of a power outage, NEC crews will respond as soon as outdoor conditions are safe. We encourage everyone to stay off the roads until the storm has fully passed to allow emergency responders and line crews to safely do their jobs.
NEC encourages all members to stock up on supplies before the winter weather impacts our area. Being prepared and informed is the best way to stay safe and remember to protect the 4 Ps (people, pets, pipes, and plants).
During a winter power outage
- Before you report your outage, make sure the outage goes beyond your home. Check your breakers or fuses and the power lines to your house. If the lines are damaged or down, stay back and call your electric cooperative.
- Stay warm... On top of dressing in layers and huddling under extra blankets, hang your darker ones on the windows to draw in heat. Keep doors and windows closed and use towels to block drafts around them. If necessary, move to your basement, which may be more insulated by the ground.
- …but keep your food cold. Food can stay frozen 24 to 36 hours if the refrigerator/freezer door stays closed. Always have a bag of ice cubes in the freezer in case you have to evacuate or when you’re out of town; if the cubes melt and refreeze while you’re away, the food in the freezer will probably be spoiled.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use gas generators, camping stoves or barbeques indoors; keep them in well ventilated areas and don’t use them for heating your home.
- Listen for updates. Listen to the news on a battery-powered or hand-cranked device and follow the NEC outage viewer, Facebook page and/or website for more news about outages and restoration efforts. If you’re using a cellphone, choose texting over calling to keep phone lines free, or use your landline. Save 911 for emergencies.
- Prevent additional damage. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a surge when the power comes back on; leave one lamp on so you know when the power comes back. If you have electric heat, keep all taps on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- If you have a member of your household on life support, prepare to implement back up plans for power interruptions.
For updates on power outages and restoration efforts during this winter storm, visit our website at www.nueceselectric.org or follow us on the NEC Facebook page.