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Frequently Asked Questions
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When can I anticipate getting my power back on? How long will it take?
The extent of the damage must be assessed first. Assessing the damage could take up to 24 hours. In the restoration process, we begin at each substation and work out to the feeders and then to individual taps. See CHELCO’s power restoration graphic in this section.
If damage is widespread, it may take several days to restore power to everyone. Your patience is appreciated. As the restoration process continues, we will provide updates to local radio stations and emergency management personnel. Please tune to one of these stations for information about your area.
My neighbor has power and I don’t. Why?
Your neighbor may be on a different feeder (source of power). You may have damage to your transformer or the service on your house. When our crews came through, you may not have been at home for them to notify you that you needed repairs. In the restoration process, CHELCO crews will disconnect your service and move on to restore power to those they can. As you survey the damage to your property, please look at the service on your house or business. If the service is damaged, contact an electrician. This can delay getting your power back on.
My spouse/parent/child is/are on oxygen. Aren’t you supposed to get my power on first?
CHELCO does not keep listings of those who are on oxygen or are otherwise disabled. Please contact the county emergency management office for your area.
Why don’t I see anyone working in my neighborhood? Where are they working?
Even though you may not see anyone working in your neighborhood, CHELCO crews are working hard to restore power to your home. We have a minimum of 43 crews working to restore power, starting at the substations and working out the main feeders, restoring power to them first. See CHELCO’s power restoration graphic in this section.
There’s a line down across my driveway (on my street). My pole is on the ground. What should I do? Is the line hot? Can someone check it because I have to get out?
In this instance, contact CHELCO as soon as possible. Stay away from all downed lines. The line may still be live, even though it is on the ground. Someone will respond as soon as possible.
Why aren’t you working around the clock to restore power?
Due to the length of time normally involved in the restoration process after a severe storm, we can only ask our employees to work 16 hours in a 24 hour period. This is a safety concern and the safety of our employees must come first.
I have a full freezer, what should I do?
CHELCO offers these tips to preserve the food in your refrigerators and freezers if your power goes off because of the storm. Turn your freezers and refrigerators to their coldest settings now. The more frozen food you have in your freezer, the longer it will stay that way. If there is time, fill plastic jugs with water and freeze them to help maintain the cold. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper. Seal the freezer with strong tape to make it air tight. Then cover the freezer with blankets or quilts. Do not block vents because the power may come on unexpectedly.
Keep the freezer door closed and frozen food can keep two to three days. A freezer less than half-full will last about one day. If the power outage is prolonged, remember thawed fish or meat in good condition can be cooked and refrozen when service is restored. Fruits and vegetables with ice still on the package can be safely
refrozen.
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