Storms result in power outages for ECE members
August 16, 2010

Storms began their trek across the ECE service territory the night of August 12, continuing through August 13 resulting in more than 15,000 ECE members without power. Outage numbers continued to grow throughout the weekend as high winds caused trees weakened by the storm to fall onto power lines. The areas with the most damage were Milaca, Gilman, Mayhew, Ogilvie, Braham, Pine City and Cambridge.

ECE crews and crews from Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative and Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative worked around the clock from Thursday through Sunday to restore power.  An estimated 40 poles and several miles of line needed to be replaced or repaired.   

“Our thanks to members for their patience and understanding as crews and employees worked to restore power safely and quickly.  I would also like to remind members to be safe during a storm and stay away from downed power lines as they may still be energized,” said ECE President/CEO Steve Shurts.  

Please call 1-800-254-7944 to report any damaged trees near power lines that pose a risk of causing an outage.