PEC Prepared for Another Round of Freezing Temperatures Headed to the Hill Country

Cooperative Standing by with all Resources, Hands-On-Deck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) January 16, 2025 — Following last week’s cold snap, Pedernales Electric Cooperative continues to monitor weather conditions closely as another batch of cold, arctic air is forecast to ascend over Texas this weekend. The latest front is expected to begin with very cold and dry air arriving Saturday, January 18, with chances for precipitation across PEC’s service area Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are also expected to remain below freezing for more than 48 hours in some parts of the Hill Country.

PEC holds frequent drills to prepare for inclement weather and other scenarios, including snow and ice storms. Leading into the MLK Day holiday weekend, the Cooperative is fully staffed and ready to respond — with field crews and office staff standing by. Approximately 340 lineworkers and an additional 24 contract construction crews are ready to assist around the clock and stocked with ample supplies, including fuel. An extra 35 vegetation crews are also available to respond if needed, and PEC’s control center continues to watch weather conditions closely, monitoring the system 24/7. Additional agents are also staffed to assist with calls and member questions by phone.

PEC’s commitment to keeping its system safe, strong, and resilient requires regular upkeep and maintenance across the Cooperative’s service area. In 2024, crews helped harden our system by:

  • Inspecting more than 1,700 pieces of field equipment and 43,200 poles;
  • Treating more than 34,000 poles and replacing or restoring over 3,000;
  • Restoring nearly 4,000 pad-mounted transformers for underground distribution;
  • And targeting pruning of vegetation on more than 22,000 spans of line.

Just as PEC prepares, members are also encouraged to stay ready. If you experience an outage, please report it by texting the word “outage” to 25022 from the mobile number associated with your PEC account or by calling our outage reporting line at 888-883-3379. When extreme weather approaches, here are a few more tips to keep in mind.

  • Prevent high bills on cold days. Keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees, or as close to 68 degrees as comfortably possible, wearing blankets and warm clothing. Avoid raising your thermostat more than 2 degrees at a time to prevent emergency or auxiliary heat settings from kicking on. Monitor your energy use on PEC’s SmartHub.
  • Prepare your home, using weatherstripping and caulking to tightly seal windows and doors, especially in any areas where cool air can enter. Drip faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and wrap outdoor faucets with an insulated cover.
  • Charge cell phones and stock your emergency kit. Include food, water, blankets, batteries, chargers, and other essential items.
  • Review your emergency plan, including what to do in case of an extended outage. PEC cannot guarantee uninterrupted or continuous power, and we strongly encourage all members to have an emergency plan, including backup generation if needed. A statewide list of warming centers is available on the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s website. Remember to check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly and live alone.

PEC will post updates on social media and online at mypec.com. Additional tips are available at mypec.com/prep.

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