So far, KUB has called contract crews in from across the state and from as far away as Indiana to help us restore power to our customers. KUB has approximately 95 KUB and contract crews working to assess damages, clear trees and debris, and repair poles and lines on our system today, making this the largest number of crews we've ever had working an outage. In addition to KUB and Pike Electric crews, today's list also includes resources provided by Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative and its contract crews from Service One.

If you are currently experiencing a power outage, please call KUB at 524-2911.

"We appreciate the support we've received from our contractors, suppliers, and neighboring utilities," said Mintha Roach, KUB President and CEO. "We were gaining ground in our restoration efforts, but this morning's storm was a setback. We appreciate our customers' patience as we continue to repair the damage from both of these storms."

Crews have replaced 49 transformers and 50 poles so far during restoration efforts. KUB has stocked up on the materials needed to supply crews repairing damages, and further deliveries are scheduled to continue through next week.

At the height of Tuesday's storm, more than 127,000 KUB customers were without power. Approximately 29,000 KUB customers remain without electricity as of 11:30 a.m. following another round of severe storms that hit the KUB service territory early Friday morning. The outages continue to be scattered with the largest concentrations in northwest, south and west Knox County. KUB will continue working non-stop to restore power to all customers.

Safety Message

Because of the large number of crews working on the system today, including crews who are unfamiliar with our area, it is extremely important that they be able to focus on doing their work as safely as possible. Therefore, we ask that the public not approach crews in the field while they are working. This will help ensure their safety and allow for more timely restoration. Customers with questions should call KUB at 865-524-2911.

Restoration Time Frames

Crews have had challenges accessing the lines due to the number of downed trees and other extensive damage - even getting to the job has been difficult in some cases. Given these challenges, a definite time frame for restoration of specific areas is not available, and KUB is advising customers to prepare for outages lasting multiple days. Restoration in areas with extensive damage will likely extend through the weekend, and potentially into next week. KUB is advising customers to plan accordingly.

Although much progress has been made, restoration progress will likely slow due to several factors:

There are several thousand line repair jobs waiting to be worked, and unlike those that have been completed since the initial storms on Tuesday evening, these remaining jobs will often only restore power to a handful of customers at a time. Every job is different, but a typical line job can take up to 4-6 hours to repair. Jobs requiring a pole replacement take a minimum of 6-8 hours.

Customer Assistance Options

Customers can seek help from the following agencies throughout the weekend as KUB continues to restore service:

Red Cross Shelter - The Knoxville Red Cross office has opened a shelter at Central Baptist Church, 5364 N. Broadway, for individuals and families who are without power. The shelter can handle people with special medical equipment, and can administer minor first aid. No reservations needed. Meals and sleeping accommodations are provided. The public can call the Red Cross office at 865-584-2999 for more information. Knox Area Rescue Ministries - Serves three meals a day to anyone in need. Located at 418 N. Broadway. Call 211 - Information is available for locations and times where hot meals available throughout the community Samaritan Place - A program of Catholic Charities that can provide temporary housing for those 55 and older. Must call ahead to 865-684-1880.

Notice for Customers with Critical Medical Equipment

Customers with critical medical equipment may need to initiate their emergency plan to relocate to a safe location or contact their health care provider to arrange for backup equipment.

Routine KUB Activities Temporarily Suspended / Emergency and Storm Calls Only

Due to the magnitude of this storm event, resources from all KUB departments are focusing on assisting with restoration efforts. As a result, responses to routine business inquiries will be temporarily delayed. Additionally, due to the heavy volume of incoming calls, KUB is asking that customers only call the 865-524-2911 main number if they have an emergency or storm related issue. KUB will advise via follow-up media advisories when available resources have been released from storm restoration efforts and business activities return to normal. KUB's payment centers will remain open.

Online Outage Map

Please refer to this map for the latest outage numbers. The information is refreshed every 15 minutes. Remember to refresh your computer to get the most current outage totals if you have had the outage map page open for an extended period.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines / Contact with Trees and Limbs

As restoration efforts continue, KUB advises customers to stay well away from any downed power lines as they may be energized. Also be mindful that trees leaning on power lines, utility poles, and related equipment can conduct electricity, and contact should be avoided. Trees and limbs on the ground may be in contact with energized power lines and may pose a threat as well. Additionally, customers are reminded to stay at least 25-feet from the work area for their safety and the safety of our crews.

Reporting An Outage / Storm Tips

Please report all power outages immediately to KUB to ensure you are on the list for repairs. Click on the Report an Outage link on the KUB website homepage or call 865-524-2911 or 1-800-250-8068 to report outages. KUB would also like to remind customers that we do not check Facebook postings to gather information on the locations of power outages. Storm tips are also available at our website www.kub.org under the "Safety and Outages" tab.

Be sure KUB has your correct phone number. That will enable you to report outages quickly and easily on our automated outage line. It will also help KUB contact you to verify whether your power has been restored. You can update your number in your profile on www.kub.org or by calling 524- 2911. (You will need to register, if you haven't already.)