FRANKFORT – Kentucky Power is encouraging its customers to prepare for potential power outages should ice hit the area today and tomorrow as predicted.

“Ice is one of the most damaging weather events for our electric system because its weight brings down trees and power lines, and inhibits our ability to get to the damaged poles, transformers and wires,” said Everett Phillips, managing director of distribution and customers services with the company. “We have been monitoring the weather conditions closely and will take steps to speed restoration should outages occur.”

“Kentucky Power has already asked for approximately 200 outside line workers and assessors to help us in anticipation of weather related power outages,” Phillips said.  “We will respond to power outages as quickly and safely as possible and work continuously until the last power outage is placed back in service,” he said.

Weather forecasters are calling for up to a ½-inch of ice Sunday into Monday as an arctic front sinks into the region, bringing with it a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Up to six inches of snow is also expected across much of the company’ service territory.

“We know how important electricity is to our customers,” Phillips said. “We are doing everything we can to get prepared for this storm and get the power back on as quickly as possible in affected areas.”

Customers who do lose service can report their outage to Kentucky Power by calling the customer service center toll-free at 1-800-572-1113.  During times of high call volume, callers may hear a recorded message and can leave a voice message about the outage.

Customers can prepare for outages by assembling an emergency kit. Include flashlights and batteries; battery-powered radios or televisions; candles, matches, or lighters; water for drinking and cooking; a portable heater; camping equipment; and canned goods and a manual can opener. It's also wise to keep cell phones and laptops fully charged and include a car charger in the emergency kit.

Kentucky Power is an operating unit of American Electric Power and serves approximately 172,000 customers in all or parts of 20 eastern Kentucky Counties.

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