Updated: Thousands In VA Remain Without Power Following Ice Storm

Reston VA

14 February, 2021

11:19 AM

Description

Updated (Feb. 14, 9:45 p.m.): As of 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Virginia Dominion Energy reported that it had restored power to more than 175,000 customers, according to a company release. As of 9:45 p.m., nearly 82,000 customers were still without power. VIRGINIA — Virginia Dominion Energy crews are working around the clock to restore power to thousands of customers across central and southern Virginia. As of 4 a.m., on Saturday, Dominion reported 290,000 customers had lost power after several days of freezing rain passed through the region and accumulations of ice brought down power lines. Dominion Energy is warning customers in the hardest hit areas that they may be facing multiple days of power outages. These areas include Amelia, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, and Nottoway counties. As of 11:15 a.m., on Sunday, more than 134,000 Dominion Energy customers were still without power. "We know many of our customers are staying home and counting on us for reliable service," said Charlene Whitfield, senior vice president of power delivery for Dominion Energy, in a release. "We appreciate our customers' patience and want to assure them that we will continue to work tirelessly until we restore power to every customer affected by this ice storm." Also See: NoVA, DC Weather: Ice Storm Warning, Power Outages Possible When arriving at the site of downed power lines, work crews first assess damage and prioritize restoring power to critical public heath and safety facilities, such as hospitals, fire and police departments. Then, they focus on restoring the largest number of customers in the shortest period of time. Once this is accomplished, work crews then move on to smaller customer groups and individual homes and business. To aid in Dominion Energy's fast response, customers are encouraged to report power outages via the Dominion Energy app or online at DominionEnergy.com. Outages may also be reported via phone at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). Dominion Energy shared the following reminders to help customers stay safe: Beware of downed power lines and remember that they could be covered by snow. Assume they are energized and dangerous. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others also avoid the downed line. Virginia and North Carolina customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) right away to report a downed power line.Ensure generators are properly connected. Be sure they are fueled, tested and connected in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and crews working to restore power.