WCEC Prepares for Winter Weather

Wharton County Electric Cooperative has been keeping an eye on the winter storm forecasts for later this week and throughout the weekend. Forecasters are calling for freezing temperatures and the possibility of high winds throughout our service territory. At this time, a chance of ice accumulation is expected.

High winds can cause power outages, especially when combined with the smallest amount of ice accumulation on power lines. All WCEC crews will be on standby as this weather system moves through our area. They will be ready to be dispatched as soon as it is safe to begin any restoration efforts if needed.

During an outage, WCEC crews work to restore power to the largest number of people first. After power is restored to the cooperative’s main feeders, our crews then address issues in smaller neighborhoods or at individual homes. WCEC is asking all members to prepare for the possibility of power outages throughout this weather event. On our website, Outage Central offers tips on preparing for outages, outage safety, and our outage restoration process. There is also a live Outage Map. Outage Central can be found at MyWCEC.coop/OutageCentral.

In addition to keeping up to date with the weather, WCEC is also monitoring ERCOT predictions for the week. Although a record winter peak is predicted for Friday, ERCOT is strongly assuring everyone across the state that there will be adequate generation to meet that demand. At this time, there is no indication that rotating outages will be necessary.

As a reminder to our members, if ERCOT issues an emergency alert calling for rotating outages, we must comply. Our team will do all that is possible to make any future rotating outages as comfortable for our members as we can. We will also notify our members through social media and our website as quickly as possible.

Members of the public can visit ERCOT.com or download the ERCOT app through the Apple or Android app stores for updates on statewide grid conditions.

WCEC encourages everyone to prepare for frigid temperatures over the next few days. Monitor weather conditions for your location. Protect the four P’s: people, pets, pipes, and plants. Power outages are possible with the high winds coming through – have a plan in place to safely stay warm without power. Also, have backup power at the ready for any needed medical equipment.

To report an outage, call 979-543-6271. During large outages, phone lines can get very busy. If necessary, we may implement an automated outage-reporting system. To report an outage through this system, you will need the phone number connected to your account, your account number, or your meter number. Rest assured that if outages occur, crews will be working to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you are unable to get through to the co-op by calling 979-543-6271, updates from WCEC will also be available here:

• WCEC’s Outage Central at www.MyWCEC.coop/OutageCentral

• WCEC’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/mywcec

• Local Radio: KULP FM 106.7 (AM 1390), KIOX FM 96.1, KULM FM 98.3

One final reminder, with extreme temperatures, comes high power use. Your heater will be working overtime to keep your home warm. If you are concerned about high usage and/or the cost of your next bill, we can help. Our SmartHub portal and app allow members to see their daily power use; our website offers ways to save at MyWCEC.coop/Save; our CSRs are always ready to share tips at 979-543-6271.

Stay safe, stay warm. And know that WCEC will be here if you need us. That’s the Cooperative Way.

Local Weather Graphics

TEMPERATURE

WIND SPEED/DIRECTION/GUST

ICE

Updated: 917 am CST Wed. 2/2/2022 2 miles ENE of El Campo, TX

Source: National Weather Service | https://go.usa.gov/xtyes