As with a summertime thunderstorm, winter
ice or car-power pole accident, the possibility of a power outage
always exists. Walton Electric Membership Corporation urges
families and businesses to be prepared with emergency supplies
such as flashlights, a portable radio, fresh batteries, drinking
water and a supply of food. If a medical condition of a family
member makes electricity essential, have a contingency plan
in place.
The problem in the Northeast US was apparently due to problems
on the generation and transmission grid, not with local distribution
systems like Walton EMC. Walton EMC receives power from the
transmission grid but does not manage or operate transmission
grid facilities.
Walton EMC's power supplier, Georgia Transmission Corporation
(GTC), reports that "Georgia's electric transmission system
was not affected by the blackout and all systems for assuring
the reliable delivery of electricity to our customers are
stable and operating well."
GTC continues "GTC, on behalf of Georgia's EMCs, is coordinating
with other utilities and officials of the Southeast Electric
Reliability Council (SERC) to assure the reliability and security
of the system that serves Georgia. GTC also participates in
the Southern Sub-region Security Coordinator Operating Committee
to ensure operating reliability in the South is properly coordinated
among all operating entities."
"Officials of Georgia System Operations Corporation (GSOC)
are monitoring all aspects of their system that delivers 27
billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to EMC customers each
year. GSOC and Georgia Power control centers are in continuous
communication with one another and control centers in surrounding
states."
Due to mild weather this summer, Walton EMC has not experienced
peak demand situations or the threat of overloads on its distribution
system during 2003.
For information on coping with power outages, go to waltonemc.com
and click on the Storm Center link.
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