PR-08-89 -- PSC Chairman Jeff Davis Urges Patience And Caution During Utility Restoration Efforts

Contact:  Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 11, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis today urged both patience and caution as utilities crews work to restore power after widespread ice storms toppled trees and power lines across the state.

"I am encouraging everyone affected by these storms to be patient and exercise extreme caution as power is restored across Missouri," Davis said. "Every utility in the state has crews out working overtime and backup crews have been called in, but the ice storms that have swept from Joplin to Kansas City to Wentzville still have the state reeling."

Davis also urged citizens to take special precautions to reduce risk and injury as citizens cope with storm damage.

 "People should avoid downed power lines at all costs and should not get out on the roads unless it is absolutely necessary," Davis said. "Please avoid downed tree limbs. People should wait until the ice melts before removing limbs, because more limbs will be falling."

Two fatalities were reported in central Missouri when victims were struck by falling tree limbs as they worked to clear trees downed by the storm.

Davis said additional precautions should include safe water supplies.

"People need to make sure they have adequate supplies of water," Davis said. "To the best of my knowledge, all of our invest-owned water companies are operating, but some of them will have low system pressures. Make sure you have water stored just in case."

The PSC Chairman also urged residents to monitor others who may need help.

"Please check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or who have disabilities," Davis said.

Davis said power would be restored as quickly as possible, and that urgent need facilities would take priority in restoration efforts.

"Utility restoration efforts are in full swing at this time, and priority is being given to hospitals, nursing homes and other critical facilities," Davis said. "For those with lines down to single homes, restoration could take just a bit longer, so everyone needs to be patient. Your power will be restored as quickly as possible."

Although power is already restored in many areas, thousands of Missourians remain without power. Those included Davis and his family, who have been without power since Sunday.

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