Update: Widespread Power Outages Reported Throughout Nebraska

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Updated: 8:27 AM Dec 26, 2009 Update: Widespread Power Outages Reported Throughout Nebraska Several power companies are experiencing outages due to the winter storm hitting Nebraska. Posted: 8:27 AM Dec 26, 2009 Reporter: 10/11 News Email Address: desk@kolnkgin.com

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As of 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Norris Public Power District is still experiencing power outages throughout its service territory in Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Saline and Thayer Counties. Additional customers lost power overnight due to the strong winds. In total, it is estimated that 1,500 customers are currently without power, with Thayer County having the most customers without power.

Saturday morning, it appears the wind has subsided somewhat which will aid the District in its power restoration efforts. However, the District is facing many impassable roads which will slow down the restoration of power. County Roads Departments are providing assistance to District crews.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Cindy Location: Norris customer 2 on Dec 28, 2009 at 02:40 PM

We never lost power, but our neighbors 1 mile north did on Christmas Eve. It wasn't because the guys at Norris didn't want to get out to fix the problem, it was because they couldn't. On Xmas day we watched 3 maintainers trying to break through the snow drifts across the road. They didn't get it opened until Saturday morning. And right behind them was the Norris trucks. They worked in the BLIZZARD until power was restored to the neighbors. Don't complain about Norris. They did everything within their means.

Posted by: Jenny on Dec 28, 2009 at 12:36 PM

Nice plug Ike Mason, way to get some free advertising...I'm exaggerating of course

Posted by: Oz Location: Boone County on Dec 28, 2009 at 08:33 AM

We (as in few other farms around us & nearly defunct 'town' of Boone) lost power Christmas night about 9pm. Fortunately the man had been wading to the shop through the blizzard keepin tractor warm all day & were able to scoop most of the 4ft drift from the shed where the generator was with the tractor & not by hand. With it being winter, the fuel tank was mostly empty & the tractor didn't have a lot either so we def had to run it sparingly. The mile gravel to the hwy was impassable & finally had to be cleared with most of remaining fuel to see if town & more fuel was possible. Still, it never occurred to us to complain about Loup Power. We knew perfectly well how horrific conditions were & were pleasantly surprised when it came back on at 2pm the next afternoon. There wasn't likely more than a bakers dozen of us out & yet those fellas risked life & limb & gave up their own warm beds to do it as soon as humanly possible. God bless them & all the others who did the same!

Posted by: Annonoymus Location: AZ. on Dec 27, 2009 at 01:57 PM

I was a long time resident of the state of Nebraska and a couple years ago I had enough of winter and tornadoes. Move to sunny and warm AZ. And you know what we don't have to shovel heat and heat does not drift either. You folks back there in NE. should prepare yourself better next time for when the power is out. So quit complaining what the power companies are doing or not doing because with what they have to work with and in it sounds like to me they are doing the very best they can. Quit your gritching.

Posted by: The Audacity on Dec 27, 2009 at 12:38 PM

I'm sorry if this gets taken the wrong way but I'm extremely ticked by Mr. Brian's comment about Norris Public Power. Words to the wise sir: think next time before you globally post comments on something which you are clearly uneducated on since you seem to be comparing city to rural power companies!! As a family member to a norris employee, who has been out working in these conditions day and night for the past 4 days, I feel your comment was entirely disrespectful and unneccessary. I feel sorry for you sir and suppose I shouldn't take anything you say to heart, it's clear you have no idea what you are talking about! Enjoy your warm home this holiday season while real men are out there helping others in this time of need! Thanks Norris Public Power crew and their families you are true heros in our eyes... Merry christmas & Happry New Year

Posted by: Amy Location: Kansas on Dec 26, 2009 at 06:13 PM

I grew up in Nebraska but I live in Kansas now. I still do keep up with the news as all of my family lives in Nebraska. I am so Thankful that so many of you have your power back and that the crews worked so quickly. I read the negative post that started this all. As we all know they can only restore the power as fast as the road crews can clear a path. They worked on a holiday and did the best they could with what they had for a clear path. Most locations are remote and who knows where the actual boxes are that they have to fix. Maybe Brian should read the rest of the posts to see that all of you backed Norris and understood the conditions! Hope all of you had a Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Brandy Location: York on Dec 26, 2009 at 04:05 PM

My husband works for Perennial PPD serving a large rural area in York & Fillmore counties. He has worked several hours already and will work many more to restore power during this holiday season. This is an already dangerous occupation made worse by this horrible storm. We need to thank them for doing their best and giving up their time with their family. With concern for safety and of course impassable roadways his office kept them home yesterday. However they are working closely with all local road departments to get to areas without power and restore it today. We also need to thank the road departments too. Right now they are all working long hours in awful conditions, going for long periods of time without sleep, food, or seeing their families. Thank you to all those linemen and road crews.

Posted by: Leonard Location: saline county on Dec 26, 2009 at 09:57 AM

I am a norris public power costomer and have been whithout power pretty much since thusday afternoon.Roads are to bad for me to get to town to get more gas for generator. so how can anyone expect norris employees get the power back fast. I thank all the norris workers for working in this bad weather and this christmas holiday.

Posted by: Ike Mason Location: Kearney on Dec 26, 2009 at 07:29 AM

This is why everyone should have a back up generator. Many homes will have broken water pipes do to freezing. Honda makes the very best units out there. We still have a good inventory. e-mail us at ike@masonrv.com

Posted by: Pat Location: Elmwood, Ne on Dec 26, 2009 at 06:45 AM

Apparently OPPD goes out too. Our power went off about 8:30 am. It was back on at about 2 p.m. We thought we would be with out it for the week-end. Thank you OPPD.

Posted by: Lacey Location: Lancaster County on Dec 26, 2009 at 01:18 AM

My fiance works for Norris Public Power and has worked almost 80 hours this week and has not seen any of his family for the holiday. And not once has he complained about it. Norris is paying them holiday pay and they did receive overtime for the hours they worked during the week prior to Friday. They only quit when conditions become too dangerous and one of the crew had to be taken to the hospital for x rays. Thankfully, no serious harm was done. Great job by Nebraska City Power but I do not believe their success is due to them working any harder than any other power company. As most people know, weather can impact some areas more than others therefore causing more outages in certain areas.

Posted by: AJ Location: Clatonia on Dec 25, 2009 at 10:27 PM

What's the deal with Norris, Brian? Well, when we called them they also were VERY nice and restored our power in a reasonable time. They went out in horrendous conditions and got the job done. Thanks so much to the people of Norris for a job well done! Way to go and Merry Christmas! Sorry you had to spend it out in the snow!

Posted by: Power guy Location: York on Dec 25, 2009 at 08:05 PM

Nebraska City guy you are a idot, there is a difference between working in town and working in the country. Has nothing to do with overtime, its all about safety for the lineman. country folks know how to handle this kind of stuff. Hats off to all the Norris and NPPD guys working on Christmas so people can surf the internet!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 25, 2009 at 06:32 PM

I am a Norris PPD customer and they have always been very good any time we have experienced a power outage. You are being negative, Brian - I am sure fixing lines in blizzard presents a pretty big challenge for any power company.

Posted by: Buffy Location: Fairbury on Dec 25, 2009 at 04:54 PM

Our brother in law works for Norris and they were all working yesturday from the early hours till way late and they had to be in at 6 this am...they need to be commended as they did not spend the holidays with their families they have been out restoring the power for everyone else. So THANK YOU to all of the Norris guys for spending your holiday on the snow helping others.

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