ATLANTA — With a winter storm on its way to Georgia this week, Georgia Power crews are gearing up to handle power outages.
Channel 2′s Tom Regan reported live from Georgia Power’s facility in northeast Atlanta on Wednesday.
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At the facility, functioning as an equipment yard for Georgia Power teams, there are new transformers, cables and other utility supplies that can be used to replace pieces damaged by the oncoming storm.
A spokesperson for Georgia Power said they’re ready for whatever comes our way.
“We want to be prepared to fix anything that goes wrong,” Matthew Kent, Georgia Power, said. “Downed trees on power lines that become thick with ice and fall, and also vehicular accidents, with our power poles. We ant to avoid that, we want people to be safe.”
Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologists and Georgia Power are watching the approaching weather closely.
Georgia Power is keeping a close eye on the forecast to maximize the effectiveness of utility crews in the field responding to power outages.
“When the storm gets close, and we see the trajectory of it, that’s when we will have our crews in locations that we think will be impacted more, so we can be in position to respond the fastest,” Kent told Regan.
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Georgia Power also released a set of recommendations to prepare for the winter weather.
With “frigid temperatures and the potential for severe winter weather” by the end of the week, Georgia Power said its customers should start taking steps now to stay safe and warm.
To help minimize cold impacts and ways that winter weather could affect your power bill, Georgia Power said to:
- Optimize heating – Remember, heating can account for 50% of a home’s typical winter energy usage. Enhance the efficiency of your heating unit by changing filters monthly, or every three months for pleated filters. Make sure heating vents and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.
- Check your insulation – Keep heat where it belongs by ensuring proper insulation in attics and walls. Replace any cracked or peeling caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to save up to 10% on energy usage and reduce cold air infiltration into your home.
- Adjust your thermostat – Set your manual thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Each degree lower can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy consumption. Or take advantage of programmable thermostat features if available to save energy throughout the day.
- Utilize natural heat – Open blinds and shades on sunny days to naturally warm your home at no cost. Close them at night to minimize the chill from cold windows.
“Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm,” the company said in a statement.
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