Citizens Electric Postpones Planned Power Outage in Ste. Genevieve County

Citizens Electric Corporation announced plans to reschedule a planned power outage set to impact approximately 3,456 members in the northernmost portion of Ste. Genevieve County.

Due to rising temperatures, MISO guidance for conservative operation and an active heat advisory, the planned power outage scheduled for Saturday, June 28 has been postponed. Maintenance will be rescheduled for later this year when outdoor temperatures are less extreme. Advanced notice will be provided to all impacted members. Citizens Electric encourages members to ensure all contact information is updated for future communication.

Planned work involves replacing infrastructure originally set in the late 1960s on a transmission line serving three substations. Through careful planning, coordination and consultation with contractors, it was determined that work cannot be performed safely while energized. Moreover, the planned outage is necessary as preventative maintenance and to stay ahead of possible unplanned events which would cause even longer outage times.

“This specific structure is on a single radial transmission line limiting the ability to provide uninterrupted service. That’s why Citizens Electric has been actively working on the Salem Bulk – Valley View Line project, which will introduce a second transmission source,” said Vice President of Operations, Curt Iffert.  “Once the Salem Bulk to Valley View Line is completed, this ‘networked’ system will provide greater reliability, flexibility for maintenance, and faster restoration during outages.”

While no system can eliminate outages entirely, Citizens Electric is taking necessary measures to strengthen the grid to improve reliability and minimize disruptions.