AES crews working to handle power outages caused by high winds in region
Power crews with AES are working to handle the thousands without power in the region Saturday afternoon.
>> Several people without power in Miami Valley
Director of Corporate Communications Mary Ann Kabel shared how AES responds to outages and how to stay safe.
Kabel said the majority of the outages are due to the high winds the region is experiencing.
“We had winds with gust up to 50 m.p.h. and some sustained areas at 30 m.p.h.,” Kabel told News Center 7.
Kabel said currently the power company has crews working throughout the region, with 150 people on the ground.
She says crews are out working to get power restored as quickly and as safely as possible.
>>PHOTOS: Saturday’s winds cause damage across the Miami Valley
AES constantly monitors the weather and is prepared for more outages to come.
“With strong winds, that’s whole different ball game especially with trees and branches falling on power lines,” said Kabel. “We make sure we have a tree clearance crews available so they can clear that debris from the power lines.”
Trees start being damaged by winds around 30 to 40 miles per hour, Kabel said, and that’s when they can start damaging power lines.
Kabel cautioned residents to assume that downed wires are still live and to avoid the area.
“Put safety first,” she told News Center7′s Brandon Lewis. “Call us if you are experiencing an outage or report it online.”
Outages can be reported to AES online here or call 877-468-8243.
