KCP&L braces for more icy weather in case of need

Mother nature's winter wrath isn't over yet. According to the National Weather Service, small areas of light freezing drizzle were predicted overnight, with a 70 percent chance of freezing rain Thursday morning. However, Wednesday evening forecasters were expecting a rise in temperature Thrusday afternoon, changing the freezing precipitation into rain, dampening the threat of treacherous ice.

Nevertheless, with the Midwest region expected to receive ice accumulation of 1/10 inch up to three-fourths inch, beginning mid-morning Thursday, Dec. 18, KCP&L has prepared in advance by placing additional crew members, contractors and tree crews on alert to help restore power quickly, and safely, if the need arises.

"The key to weathering major storms and potential power outages is advance preparation," said Bill Herdegen, vice president, T&D Engineering and Operations. "That's why we are working with materials suppliers and have crews on standby to be able to react quickly in the event of a power outage."

KCP&L starts preparing for adverse winter weather conditions months in advance by conducting practice drills with employees and city agencies, and trimming tree branches year-round growing near power lines.

If additional assistance is needed, KCP&L can also call on members of the Midwest Mutual Assistance Group, which help utilities in neighboring states during power outages. KCP&L has provided assistance a total of seven times in the past year, including Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, according to a press release from the utility company.

With the addition of Aquila, KCP&L's service territory has nearly quadrupled in size from 4,600-square-miles to more than 16,000-square-miles.

To provide service restoration, the company also has gained additional in-house resources.

"We've recently adapted the best practices from our company's storm response plan so we can mobilize quickly and effectively in any individual community or over our entire service, which is critical during storm restoration," Herdegen added.

KCP&L is a leader in the Midwest for storm response and recognized nationally for system reliability. In fact, for the second consecutive year, the company recently received PA Consulting Group's 2008 National ReliabilityOne award in the Plains Region, which is given annually to the six utilities nationwide that have excelled in delivering reliable electric service to their customers.

The company also received Edison Electric Institute's Emergency Assistance Award for providing outstanding assistance to fellow utilities struck by disaster events.

Herdegen said keeping customers safe is paramount to KCP&L during an outage and provides the following tips:

* Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line, and keep children and pets away. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at (888) LIGHTKC, or (888) 544-4852).

* To help speed the restoration process, call (888) LIGHTKC, or (888) 544-4852, to report an outage. The customer's phone call is the best way for workers to know the customer is without power and to determine the full extent of the damage in each neighborhood.

* For the most up-to-date information about power outages and service restoration, view Powerwatch maps located in the Storm Center on www.kcpl.com.

* Set up an emergency drawer or kit that is easy to access, even in the dark. Stock it with fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight. Avoid using candles, lanterns or oil lamps due to the fire risk.

* If a family member is on a life support system, plan for arrangements to get them to a location where their needs can be met. In addition, contact KCP&L at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a life support system exists at that service location.

* Unplug or protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high-quality surge protector. For more information on KCP&L's Meter-based Surge Protection program, go to www.kcpl.com or call (816) 472-0432.

* Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for up to 48 hours.

* Do not use charcoal grills to heat your home or to cook indoors. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.

* If using a portable generator, follow the manufacturer's safety and operating guidelines.

Be sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated area.

Never operate it indoors or in your garage. Again, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.