Corn Belt Energy, the Bloomington-based electric cooperative, tells Regional Radio News that high winds, ice, sleet and wet conditions throughout the Corn Belt Energy service territory Monday morning resulted in damage to several substations, over 130 broken poles and 6 broken transmission poles, downed lines, broken cross arms and downed trees.

The co-op says that although greater than half of the outages reported by the initial storm have been restored, 2,200 members remain without power as of late Tuesday afternoon, most of which have been out since early yesterday morning.

The majority of the damage is located in the north and west portions of the Corn Belt Energy service territory. Corn Belt Energy crews in conjunction with seven other electric cooperatives have been working since early Monday morning to restore power to members. Crews are working to have the transmission poles back up.
Corn Belt says they don't have estimated restoration times for the majority of the outages remaining. Even with the outside assistance from other cooperatives, restoration times could be prolonged in some areas.

Corn Belt Energy encourages members to check on neighbors who may be without power, especially the elderly and those with physical limitations, and urges 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.

As a reminder, people should not go near any downed power lines, downed poles, or trees near lines. To report outages or check for outage updates, members can call 1-800-879-0339 or use their cell phone to view outage updates at www.cornbeltenergy.com or on Facebook or Twitter.