ASHLAND, Ky. – Kentucky Power is preparing and is encouraging its customers to get ready, too, as freezing temperatures and a wintry mix of rain and snow are set to move through the region.
The National Weather Service has forecast the first accumulating snow of the season should hit the region this week. A strong arctic cold front is expected to reach the area Monday night and bring a dramatic drop in temperatures. Rain is expected to switch to snow overnight and continue into Tuesday. About 1 to 2 inches of snow are expected with up to 4 inches in the mountains.
Kentucky Power is monitoring its distribution system closely to ensure reliability in advance of the expected increase in demand and possible outages.
“We do not anticipate widespread outages due to cold temperatures,” said Everett Phillips, Kentucky Power’s vice president of distribution operations. “Our system is designed to handle temperature extremes but we always want to be prepared. That’s why we will monitor the conditions and our system and send crews as needed.”
When severe weather is forecast, customers can prepare for outages by assembling an emergency kit with flashlights and fresh batteries; candles, matches, or lighters; water for drinking and cooking; canned goods and a manual can opener; medications; and other supplies. A mobile cell phone charger or power bank also is useful.
Customers who lose service can report their outage to Kentucky Power by calling the customer operations center at 1-800-572-1113. During times of high call volume callers may hear a recorded message and can leave a message about their outage. Customers with access to a charged laptop, smartphone or tablet can report an outage online at www.kentuckypower.com, or by using the Kentucky Power mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Customers also can check the website for individual outage details.
Kentucky Power, an operating company in the American Electric Power system, is based in Ashland and serves about 165,000 customers in 20 eastern Kentucky counties.