Lincoln electric companies prepare for power problems during winter storm
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – As winter weather hits Lincoln, temperatures will drop and demand for electricity will rise, putting pressure on the power system.
Oak Electric is preparing for the winter weather by working nonstop.
Matthew Collins, the service manager, said as the temperatures plunge into the single digits, electricians work hard to ensure that your power stays on.
SEE ALSO: City of Lincoln arms itself with salt and snowplows ahead of expected snow
With past storms having caused widespread outages, leaving many Nebraskans without power, electric companies are monitoring conditions very closely.
Collins said you may need to call an electrician.
“Some things that people need to keep in mind is that if the snow is really heavy and it does take down the branches or the power lines, (Lincoln Electric System) will fix the overhead parts of the lines,” he said. “But everything that’s mounted to your house is your responsibility to be repaired by an electrician.”
SEE ALSO: LPS cancels school on Wednesday amid winter storm warning
Even if the snow is light, problems occur when temperatures drop suddenly.
Collins said using space heaters or heat lamps can actually cause damage to your electric lines, giving you unexpected outages.
“The problem with space heaters is that the elements warm up very slowly, so it gently loads your electrical panel breaker, and it doesn’t trip it,” she said. “So you could be overloaded, and the breaker doesn’t trip ’cause it was loaded so gently. It heats up all the wiring in the walls, heats up the outlet, heats up every connection going back to the panel, and that’s what can cause fires.”
Oak Electric offers an emergency 24-hour service for anyone who finds themself in a bind.
