When disaster strikes, it’s easy to feel helpless. But at Dawson PPD, customers know they can count on the District to respond quickly to safely restore their power and sense of security.
That was the case when a tornado tore through the Johnson Lake community the evening of May 5, leaving more than 1,000 customers without power.
The EF-1 tornado was on the ground for around eight minutes and traveled five miles across two counties. It touched down about four miles northwest of Johnson Lake. Three irrigation pivots were toppled over before the twister pummeled two large storage sheds on the northwest end of the lake. The tornado spun southeast across the lake before damaging three homes in a row. Roofs were torn off, vehicles damaged from falling tree limbs and a covered porch was blown apart. It finally lifted east of the lake by 11:00 p.m.
Dawson PPD crews were on the scene by midnight, working tirelessly to bring the power back on. About 25 employees worked together to replace 15 poles that were broken. Lineworkers dodged downed tree limbs and debris while inspecting damage in the dark.
Thanks to the swift response of the Dawson PPD crews, most customers had their power restored by 6:00 p.m. the following day. But the work didn’t stop there. Crews continued to evaluate and make repairs to individual services throughout the weekend and into the following week, ensuring that every customer had their power back as quickly and safely as possible.
As the repairs went on, a customer went out of their way to show their appreciation for the hardworking crews by dropping off a cooler full of bottled water and pizzas. This act of kindness not only lifted the spirits of the hungry crews but also reinforced the mutual support and appreciation between Dawson PPD and their customers.
At Dawson PPD, it’s all about helping customers and providing them with safe, reliable and affordable electrical power they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
OTHER NEWS
Are you on the correct rate?
General Service Rate (code 11) or Small Power Rate (code 4): For homes heated by natural gas furnaces or propane heaters that do not use heat pumps. General Service with Space Heating Rate (code 12 or 14): For homes that use 10 kilowatts or more of permanently...
Between the lines: Rate increase slated for May bills
By Gwen Kautz, Dawson PPD General Manager gkautz (at) dawsonpower.com 308-324-2386 As I mentioned a couple of months ago, a rate increase would be likely for 2017. A majority of our customers will see an estimated three percent increase in energy costs and...
Easy steps to greater efficiency
Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money and patience? According to the Department of Energy, a “typical American family” spends nearly $2,000 per year on their home energy bills. Much of that money, however, is wasted through leaky...