Fredericksburg, Va. – As of 6:30 p.m. on Sunday Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has nearly 6,000 members without power. Severe storms moved through the area late this afternoon causing damage centralized in the Cooperative’s Culpeper district with other outages scattered throughout our service area. REC started experiencing outages at 4:30 p.m. and the outages could last through the evening while repairs are completed.

“High winds from this storm caused trees to fall onto power lines and intense lightning caused damage as well,” said Rhonda F. Curtis, REC’s manager of cooperative communications. “We have the necessary manpower and equipment deployed to ensure service is restored as quickly and safely as possible.”

Members without power should call 1-800-552-3904 to report their outage. For updates on current outages, visit our website at www.myrec.coop/outage-center.

REC reminds everyone to stay away from downed lines and trees or other objects touching lines. The lines may still be energized and should be considered dangerous. Please notify REC if you see downed lines or other hazardous conditions.

“The heavy, sustained winds caused tree damage, which created many hazards, including downed power lines that are hidden by fallen trees,” added Curtis. “The public should take the proper precautions if they come across a dangerous situation. We appreciate the patience our members have shown while the Cooperative continues to work until everyone’s power has been restored.”

REC provides electric service to over 155,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., Rappahannock maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop.

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