We Energies estimates power outage restoration for 80% by midnight
MILWAUKEE - High winds knocked out power to tens of thousands of residents overnight Wednesday into Thursday, Dec. 16.
The We Energies Power Outage Map, as of about 3 p.m. Thursday, showed more than 44,000 customers without power across the region.
WEC Energy Group President and CEO Kevin Fletcher estimated Thursday afternoon that as many as 150,000 customers were impacted by an outage at some point.
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If wind and overall weather conditions allow, Fletcher said the plan is that 80% of all impacted customers will have service restored by midnight Thursday. That number would rise to 90-95% by midnight Friday with all remaining customers to have service restored or assigned by Saturday.
Crews, including contracted workers, will be working 24-hours each day until all service is restored, Fletcher said.
We Energies statement:
"With high winds continuing today we are seeing more outages and damage to our network. We expect to have restoration estimates later today when winds subside. Unfortunately repairs in some areas will take a longer period of time and customers should be prepared for an extended outage that could last into the early hours of the weekend.
"We sincerely appreciate the continued patience and support of our customers."
Steps We Energies' customers can take
Report outages
Customers can help We Energies get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages.
- Free We Energies mobile app
- Online at we-energies.com/OutageManagement
- Call 800-662-4797 and follow the automated prompts
For the fastest service, customers should have their account number ready or provide the phone number associated with their account.
Downed lines
If customers come across a downed line, they should always assume it is energized. Customers should stay at least 25 feet away from the line and contact We Energies or local law enforcement as soon as possible.
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