Drivers must move, slow down so that the crews restore electricity: UEC

JOHNSON CITY, TX – One utility service in Central Texas is reminding drivers to use caution and caution when driving near carriages and trucks in the area.

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) says its crews have made “significant progress” in restoring power and are prioritizing hardest-hit areas to get most of their members back on the grid.

According to the PEC outage map, as of 07:00 pm February 4, 12,531 meters are experiencing problems with 1,603 active outages. The highest concentration of outages occurs in the Dripping Springs, Round Rock, and south of Johnson City towards San Antonio.

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While crews are away, PEC reminds Central Texas drivers to move and slow down if they see a PEC vehicle on the side of the road, as it is important for the safety of PEC drivers and crews to have a clear path.

“There is a lot of hard work going on around busy roads and we want everyone to stay safe,” said PEC COO Eddie Dauterive. “If you see our crews, please be careful – move over, slow down and take care of their safety, as well as your own.”

Drivers should also keep a close eye on debris, poles, downed power lines, and other hazards that may be on the road. As work continues, PEC teams will work through the night until all members have been restored, the utility said.

Drivers must, if possible, move out of the lane closest to the truck or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit under the Move, Slow Law. This includes driving or slowing down when approaching vehicles stopped with a flashing amber light or a combination of amber and blue light. On roads with posted speed limits less than 25 mph, drivers must slow down to 5 mph.