Regional Radio News has learned that over 5,000 members throughout Corn Belt Energy’s service territory are without power due to severe weather conditions. The widespread outages include four substations (Evergreen, Kappa, Goodfield and Tiskilwa), over 80 broken poles, numerous trees in the lines, many broken cross arms and downed lines.
Corn Belt Energy crews have been working to restore power throughout the day and evening. Due to the amount of outages, Corn Belt Energy, which is based in Bloomington, has requested assistance from other utilities and contract workers. Six other cooperatives are assisting Corn Belt Energy in restoring power to members, and contract tree crews are helping remove downed trees.
They have indicated to Regional Radio News, that they do not have estimated restoration times for these widespread outages. Even with the outside assistance from other cooperatives, restoration times could be prolonged in some areas. Corn Belt Energy members who experience outages should prepare for an extended outage.
The co-op encourages members to check on neighbors who may be without power, especially the elderly and those with physical limitations, and they are urging members who are concerned about prolonged outages to find an alternative location to stay such as a relative or friend’s home or a local warming center.
Corn Belt customers should contact the co-op at 1-800-879-0339 to report power outages and downed lines or poles. People should not go near any downed power lines, downed poles, or trees near lines. To check for outage updates, members can call 1-800-879-0339.
