For Release: 12/09/2009

Power Out to 12,000 Wisconsin Public Service Customers

Worsening daytime weather could slow restoration

Green Bay, WI – Extremely wet, heavy snow coupled with high winds has, so far, resulted in power outages to about 12,000 Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) customers, primarily near Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay. The outages are the result of heavy snow breaking branches or toppling trees onto power lines. Even the weight of snow on the lines could result in a broken line.

As of 10:00 AM, the largest power outages were located in the areas of:

Marinette/Menominee 3,000

Door County 4,000

Two Rivers 3,000

Kewaunee 800

Green Bay 600

WPS has called in 40-50 power lines crews to assist these areas with electricity restoration. Still, because of the day's expected worsening weather, more power outages are likely and some customers could be without power until late evening or tomorrow. Treacherous driving conditions cause a problem for WPS repair vehicles when traveling to individual outage locations and cold, windy, and snowy weather is difficult to work in, slowing restoration.

Customers who are without power can visit the WPS Web site: www.wisconsinpublicservice.com to view outage information. If power is out for an extended period, dress warmly and in layers until power is restored. Be extremely careful in the use of supplemental fossil-fueled space heaters (follow manufacturer's recommendations) and with the use of candles for lighting.

If you have an electric emergency, contact WPS at 800-450-7240. Because of the difficult driving conditions, the WPS call center is currently at short staff and call wait times could be lengthy for non-emergency calls.

Clear vents of drifting snow...

New furnaces vent through the sidewalls of home. If snow or ice blocks the vent, the furnace will cease to function or, worse yet, cause inefficient combustion which could lead to carbon monoxide issues. Customers should check to make sure their furnace and water heater vents are clear of snow and ice.

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