Winter Storm Fern dealt a harsh blow to our service area last month. We experienced 6 to 8 inches of sleet and ice, along with 60-80 hours of sustained below-freezing temperatures. Our system held up remarkably well during this ice storm. We owe that outcome to the increased effort and investment we have made in our right-of-way maintenance program over the past year. Increased tree-trimming, spraying, and ground maintenance proved to be a prudent investment of time and resources.
At the height of outages, we did not have more than 670 meters without power at one time. Our operations personnel worked tirelessly and seamlessly through extremely cold and harsh conditions. We also had contract teams pre-staged throughout our service area to help in the aftermath of this historic storm. Power was restored quickly and efficiently to members, and our team deserves the highest praise. We are thankful for our members’ patience and understanding as we worked to restore power to all members.
Many members have received bills which include electric usage during Winter Storm Fern, and other members will receive those bills soon. We would like to remind members that in times of extreme cold, heating systems run for much longer periods to maintain the temperature set on a thermostat. During Winter Storm Fern, our area saw 60 to 80 hours of sustained below-freezing conditions with low temperatures in the teens. Much of our service area was covered in ice for more than a week. In these conditions, heating systems were running nearly constantly, fighting against outdoor weather elements to keep heated areas warm. This significant increase in electric usage results in significantly higher billing.
We offer a free tool called SmartHub, which helps members monitor their daily electric usage. SmartHub is a free app and can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device. We also have a fantastic team of Member Service Representatives to help members with questions concerning usage and billing. If a member receives a bill that places a burden on their budget, we offer payment plans. As always, we appreciate you, and we are here to help.
Below, please see the comparison chart of electric utilities in our area. This data was pulled from the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s electric cost comparison for February. This chart demonstrates the great value of Claiborne Electric’s service for our members.
Michael Marcotte
Claiborne Electric General Manager & CEO
