Storm Center - Katrina FAQs

^{(Updated 09.19)}

Q: What areas does Coast Electric serve?
A: Coast Electric serves approximately 60,000 members on more than 5,900 miles of power line in Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties.

Q: How extensive was the damage to Coast Electric's system?
A: Coast Electric, along with the rest of our area, suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina. We are in the process of replacing approximately 30,000 poles & 10,000 transformers that were damaged due to the storm. Of the 30,000 poles, 29,000 have been replaced. Crews are working throughout our service area to restore service as soon as possible.

Q: Are there crews from other areas helping Coast Electric?
A: Yes, Coast Electric is part of a wonderful network of electric cooperatives across the country. We have more than 3200 crews and support staff from 19 states and 125 companies assisting with restoration efforts. The repair crews are from Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges Coast Electric is now experiencing during the restoration process?
A. One of the biggest challenges now is traffic and our crews' ability to move to each repair location. Please allow the repair crews the necessary space to conduct their repairs. Another challenge is the incredible number of trees down, especially in the more rural areas. This requires a substantial amount of time to remove and rebuild the damaged power lines.

Q: Why does my neighbor have power and I do not?
A: This means that Coast Electric has already restored power to the area substation and to the circuits out of that substation. Some of the members who were not affected had their power returned as soon as the circuits re-energized but other members are still out because their taps or their individual services need further repair.

Q: What if my power is restored and then goes out again?
A: This is normal when a system is being restored. Crews may have to make additional repairs to lines in your area that will temporarily interrupt your service.

Q: If I see crews working in my area can I get them to follow me to my home?
A: Please do not stop crews when they are working. This slows down the restoration process. The crews have specific instructions that they follow to restore electric service.

Q: How can members help during outages?
A: Once the power is off, it is important to turn off every unneeded electrical item. Every connected electric appliance puts a load on the distribution. However, it is a good idea to leave a porch light on so cooperative line personnel can tell which homes have electric service. Once power is restored, gradually turn on lights, air conditioners and other electrical appliances.

Q: When will power be fully restored?
A: Coast Electric has restored 95 percent of our members that were able to receive electric service by Friday, Sept. 16th. We expect to have service 100 percent of our members that can receive service by Monday night Sept. 19th. We will continue building lines as needed in the most severely damaged areas and it may take up to an additional two weeks to restore service to those areas.

Q: How do I get a new meter pole, meter loop, meter base or panel box?
A: Contact an electrical equipment or building supply company. Each Coast Electric office will have equipment and installation specification sheets for your use in purchasing and installing these items.

Q: If my home has been destroyed do I need to cancel my electric service?
A: Coast Electric encourages any member that lost their home to contact a local office and cancel electric service or inform a member service representative of relocation arrangements.

Q: If my home has been heavily damaged do I need to cancel my electric service?
A: If you plan to re-occupy your home within three months, it is recommended to leave your Coast Electric account in an active status. Please be aware that the minimum monthly service charge of $19.90 will apply.

Q: What are some safety precautions for members?
A: Stay away from downed lines. Always assume that lines are energized. If generators are improperly connected, back feed can occur and can energize lines. This can be deadly to members and line workers. Connecting a generator to the main electrical supply for your house requires the services of a qualified, licensed electrician. Under no circumstances should gas-powered generators or grills be used indoors or in attached garages.

Q: When is an electrician needed?
A: Damage to a home's electrical system has to be repaired before Coast Electric can restore power. The damage should be repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected by local officials.

Q: When will crews be in my area?
A: Crews are working throughout our service area of Pearl River, Hancock and Harrison counties. If you live near a substation or a three-phase circuit, you have probably already seen trucks. However, as the crews restore these substations and circuits, they will go back to work the single-phase taps next. After the taps, we will work individual outages where one to six homes are served behind one fuse or one transformer. Be assured that you have not been forgotten. We will work until everyone is back on.

Q: What about my bill? What if I mailed my bill before the storm hit?
A: At this time, Coast Electric is accepting bill payments. We are not sending out any disconnect notices. Normal business practices will resume after restoration efforts are complete.

Q: Wouldn't it be better if your power lines were underground?
A: While underground lines are not outage proof, they are less susceptible to wind damage, which is always present in hurricane situations. Underground lines, however, may present restoration challenges when flooding is involved, and underground lines are especially problematic from an engineering standpoint. In addition, they are extremely expensive.

Q: What are the appropriate FEMA and American Red Cross telephone numbers?
A: For FEMA, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The American Red Cross telephone number is 1-800-975-7585.