Randolph Electric Membership Corporation Responds to Wind-Related Outages

February 10, 2010—As of 1:30 p.m., Randolph Electric Membership Corporation reports scattered outages affecting less than 300 customers. Employees will remain on alert to respond quickly to any additional power outages that occur as a result of the high winds the Piedmont region is experiencing today.

Weather predictions call for wind gusts out of the Northwest to reach speeds up to 55 miles-per-hour, with the strongest winds expected to decrease some after 4 p.m. today. Because of the amount of rain and snow that’s fallen during the past month, heavily saturated soil makes trees more susceptible to falling, especially if they have weak root systems. This saturation, combined with high winds, increase chances of trees or tree limbs falling on power lines and causing outages.

If your electric service is provided by Randolph Electric Membership Corporation and you experience a power problem or outage, call 1-877-REMC-OFF (1-877-736-2633). Members may also view outage updates at www.RandolphEMC.com by clicking on the "Outage Map" link located in the upper right hand side of the screen.

As a safety reminder, individuals encountering downed power lines should stay well away from affected areas. Never approach power lines that are low or on the ground, as they could be energized. Care should be given not to approach line personnel as they work; their work is very dangerous and any distraction could cause an accident.   

About Randolph Electric Membership Corporation
Randolph Electric Membership Corporation is a rural electric cooperative that maintains more than 4,100 miles of electric distribution lines to serve more than 31,000 electric customers in areas of Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Chatham and Alamance counties.