City Utilities crew helps storm victims

A local line crew from the Corbin City Utilities Commission spent four days in a winter storm ravaged part of the state helping people with no power try to get back to life as normal.

CUC linemen Doug Lawson and Jamie Perkins, along with tree trimmer Marvin Reynolds, say their trip to the city of Bardstown last week was filled with 15 to 18 hour workdays, but that the experience was a rewarding one.

“When we got to Danville, you could see trees down as far as you could see. Anything that was in the air was on the ground,” Perkins said, recalling the trip. “That was when it really hit home what we were in for.”

City Utilities Commission crew Marvin Reynolds, Doug Lawson and Jamie Perkins spend four days in Bardstown last week helping that city restore power after an ice storm caused a near citywide blackout. Over 1 million power customers across the state were affected.

Once the three-man crew got to Bardstown, the situation became crystal clear. Only about 200 of the city utility company’s 4,000 customers had electric service. Only one switch at the three substations was operating. Ice coated trees and lines were lying on the ground everywhere. People who had generators were using them. Those who did not were staying warm by sleeping in their cars.

“We hooked up service to one lady who had her baby in her car to keep it warm,” said Lawson. “People were sleeping in cars to keep themselves warm. They were very glad to see help coming.”

Most of the state was slammed last week by winter weather that caused the largest number of citizens to be without power at one time in Kentucky history. Governor Steve Beshear has asked the federal government declare the state a “major” disaster area. Portions of the National Guard have been mobilized to help in areas hit particularly hard. About 24 people have died as a result of the weather.

Ron Herd, General Manager at CUC, said the utility is a member of the Kentucky Municipal Utilities Association – a group that represents small town utility companies across the state. CUC is also a part of three major mutual aid agreements to help out in times of need.

“They said it was like a war zone up there,” Herd said. “The Electrical Superintendent from Bardstown called asking for help. I think we should help when we can. You never know when you are going to need help in return.”

Lawson, Perkins and Reynolds said they worked 15 to 18 hour days, stopping only for an occasional meal or to sleep. The city provided them a hotel for shelter.
Reynolds said removing debris in the area was difficult because it was so laden and heavy with ice.

“People were stopping us in the streets thanking us for what we were doing,” Reynolds said. “They were tickled to death. It was tough work, but I think we made a difference.”

After a day and a half work alongside local and other utility workers from around the state, Lawson said all three of the town’s substations were operational. About three quarters of Bardstown had power again. By the last day, he said they were being sent on “odd jobs,” putting back up electrical taps that feed subdivisions and restoring power to individual homes that had problems.

“It was a combined effort,” he said. “There were crews there from all over. Everyone worked real good together.”

The city of Barbourville also sent two crews to help.

Before returning Saturday, the cold, quiet pitch black that seemed to have consumed the town when they arrived had abated. Streetlights were working. Most people had power.

“It was a real good feeling to know you are helping someone like that,” Perkins said. “I would do it again.”