Advanced meters can send outage information in addition to recording your energy use. However, we ask that you continue to call REC when you are experiencing a power outage and do not assume that it has already been reported. With both the advanced meters and your help, REC’s line crew can quickly pinpoint the areas affected by the outage and get your power back on as soon as possible.

Our goal is to restore power to members as quickly and safely as possible. If you see an REC truck it can be for various reasons. 

1. Crews may be working to first restore power to the main line.
2. Crews may be responding to an emergency, such as power lines down on the road.
3. Crews may need to go by your location to access lines and substations that serve your area.  

It depends upon the cause and location of the problem. Remember to check and make sure your power is not out because of an electrical problem inside your home, such as tripped breaker or blown fuse. If your neighbor has electricity and you do not, more than likely, your neighbor's home is on a different line. 

Richland Electric maintains a critical care list.This documentation identifies members that have special medical or protective service emergency needs. Following severe thunder, wind, snow or ice storms, it's important to remember damage to REC's distribution system may be extreme. In some case, it can take many hours or even days to complete repairs. In case of severe storms, customers who must have electricity should be prepared with an emergency backup plan. The plan could include arrangements to move to an alternative location, use a portable generator or install battery backup on important electrical devices. Please notify REC if you have a critical need for electricity. Call 608-647-3173.

Always consider fallen wires to be energized and dangerous! Make sure children, pets and neighbors stay away from the power line and any objects it may be touching. Report he fallen power line to REC immediately. 608-647-3173

• Notify your electric co-op in advance if you require electricity to operate life-saving medical equipment.
• Protect valuable electronics and appliances with surge suppression devices and uninterrupted power supply systems (UPS).
• Have a plan for loss of power on your farm or business. Prior to installing a generator, contact your co-op for safety and installation information. 608-647-3173
  
  It is recommended that residents of Wisconsin organize a survival kit. Items that should be included are: a hard-wired phone, cell phone, battery-powered radio, clock/watch, flashlight, extra batteries, tap or bottled water, nonperishable food, can opener, first aid supplies, medicines, matches/lighter, candles and fire extinguisher. Store in a designated location.  

Once co-op linemen are dispatched and diagnose the problem, we do our best to provide an estimated restoration time. It is difficult to determine how long outages will last. Whenever possible, we'll post this information on our Facebook page  Please call Richland Electric at 608-647-3171 for the most up-to-date information.