Customer Newsletter, January 2008

Southern Provides Aid in Aftermath of Midwest Ice Storms

View Photos of the Construction Crew's Departure

Southern was very fortunate to see no major affects resulting from the major ice storm that pounded a large portion of the Central US. Customers in Franklin County were along the northern edge of the “icy” portion of the storm and did experience some outages, but they were quickly resolved. The rest of the district saw more snow than ice, and relatively minor outages.

Because the district was able to resolve their outages quickly, we answered the call for help from our neighbors to the south. On Tuesday, December 11th, Southern dispatched their six-man Construction Crew to Bluestem Electric Cooperative headquartered in Wamego, Kansas. The following day, an additional 7 men were dispatched to the same location, and another five men were sent to Doniphan Electric Cooperative in Troy, Kansas. Both of these districts are located in northeastern Kansas. Crews were provided from Southern’s Central City, Hastings and Grand Island Service Centers. Holdrege crews remained in Nebraska to assure enough assistance in the event that the Franklin Service Area would need help with storm related outages.

At the time this newsletter went to press, our linemen were just beginning their work to assist with restoration efforts in Kansas, but we expected them to be gone for approximately one week. You may be surprised to know that these men were EXCITED to be embarking upon this adventure. Southern received a lot of help during our recovery period earlier this year (as many as 400 men at times). As new crews arrived after our storm, they provided a great morale boost to our men. Southern linemen understand the feeling of that morale boost, and were anxious to get out to these areas and provide the same help and morale boost to those who are now in need.

Here's what you'll find inside this edition:

• SPD Implements Rate Increase for 2008 At their December meeting, Southern Power District's Board of Directors reviewed the results of a Cost of Service Study performed by Utility Financial Consultants. More>>>
• Generator Safety Information
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. More>>>
• Southern seeking applicants for 2008
  Lineman Scholarship Program
If you know a recent high school graduate, or a student who will graduate from high school in 2008, now is the time to start thinking about SPD's Utility Line Scholarship Program. More>>>