Peoria Galesburg Ice Storm First Response Jan 21 2010 #1/6

Ameren Illinois: http://www.illinoisoutage.com

Ice-coated power lines and strong winds have combined to leave about 18,300 Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) customers in Northern Illinois without power, while creating difficult working conditions that are slowing the service restoration effort by Ameren Illinois Utilities (AIU) field personnel.

During the night, AIU was able to reduce the number of customers without service to about 6,000. However, continuing problems with ice and strong winds resulted in new outages.

Early today, AIU activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to direct the service restoration effort. The EOC reports that a phenomenon known as "galloping conductors" has caused much of the electric service outage problem.

Galloping conductors can occur when strong winds blow across ice-coated power lines, causing the lines to move up and down in a violent manner. This movement is known as "galloping," which often results in damage to cross arms on poles, insulators and even the wires. This will result in power outages.

An example of galloping conductors can be seen at youtube.com

"Our crews have been working through the night to get the lights back on for all of our customers. This morning, additional crews are arriving in the impacted areas. While we do expect to make progress, problems will persist until the winds die down or the ice melts," said AIU Vice President of Operations Ron Pate.

"We understand the disruption the loss of electric service has caused our customers and want to assure everyone that we will not rest until all of the lights are back on," Pate said.

"Safety is our priority every day of the year, but it takes on added significance when severe weather strikes," Pate said. "The first safety rule is to stay away from downed power lines and always call us or '911' if you see downed lines. Never go outside in the dark because you won't be able to see a downed power line that could still be energized and dangerous. Stay away from brush, shrubs and downed trees that may hide downed lines."

To report downed power lines or other problems, customers should call the Ameren Illinois Utilities: 1-888-672-5252 (AmerenCILCO), 1-888-789-2477 (AmerenCIPS) and 1-800-755-7000 (AmerenIP).

Comprehensive service restoration information is available at IllinoisOutage.com. Customers with mobile devices such as iPhones and BlackBerrys may access information at www.ameren.mobi.

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