For Release: 12/09/2009

Wisconsin Public Service Electric Power Restoration Efforts continue into the evening

Green Bay, WI - Following some rather heroic restoration efforts in some nasty winter weather conditions, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) reports that about 6,000 (six-thousand) electric customers are still without power as of 4:30 pm (December 9, 2009). That number is down from earlier today when 12,000 customers reported power outages as a result of the heavy wet snow coupled with high winds that greeted WPS customers as they woke up this morning.

Electric restoration line crews worked all day to restore power to about 6,000 customers as of 4:30 pm. Some customers may not have their power restored until sometime tomorrow morning.

WPS transferred restoration line crews to areas that were hit the hardest in the Door County, Kewaunee, Two Rivers and Marinette/Menominee areas to help existing line crews restore power in those hardest hit areas. Close to 50 two-person line crews were busy working all day in some nasty wintery conditions in an effort to restore power as soon as possible.

If you experience an electric power outage, call Wisconsin Public Service at 1-800-450-7240. For updates on electric power outages, customers are advised to access the WPS website at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com. In addition to power outage information, the site also provides safety reminders and information on the power restoration process.

Common sense is strongly urged. If you have an emergency back-up heater or power source, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper safe use.

Clean-up begins, but be careful. If trees, branches or limbs are down in your area and are near power lines, do not attempt to clear the brush as the power lines may be energized and as a result, very dangerous and could be a conductor of electricity. Report the situation to Wisconsin Public Service.

Stay warm, smart. Clear your furnace vent of snow and ice. If the vent is blocked, it will cease to function properly and cause inefficient combustion which could result in carbon monoxide issues. Newer furnaces vent through the side wall of a house.

Stay informed. Monitor the local weather situation on the internet, local news media or TV weather channels.

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