For immediate release

Feb. 19, 2009 — 9:30 a.m.

Missouri electric cooperatives restore power to all

View the latest information about Missouri co-op systems affected by winter storms.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 18, Pemiscot-Dunklin completed work to restore power to all members able to receive it, Manager Charles Crawford reported. “Last night we had everyone back on,” he said. “There are still just a very few who need to make repairs to their houses.”

While all homes and businesses served by electric cooperatives in Missouri now have electricity, work remains for the cooperatives in the wake of the most devastating ice storm to hit Missouri’s electric cooperatives in the 75 years of the program. Crews will remain on the job until each system is returned to normal operation.

The storm ranks tops in terms of expense, damage to poles, miles of line rebuilt and number of crews sent to help out. Early estimates put the damage to cooperatives at $144 million. That number is likely to climb even higher.

At the height of the crisis, 64,000 members from five electric cooperatives were without power. More than 3,000 line workers from cooperatives in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi and Louisiana, along with private contractors, came to the aid of those systems in the storm’s path.

Missouri’s electric cooperatives would like to thank all of the members affected by the storm for their patience and understanding in this difficult situation. Many members helped out in some way, including clearing fallen trees, helping pull trucks across muddy fields with tractors and bringing food and comfort to workers.

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Editor's Note: For media inquiries, contact Jim McCarty at 573-680-2451