Ulysses, KS – Pioneer Electric crews have completed power restoration efforts on damages caused by Winter Storm Ursa. Although power has been restored to all key meters, Pioneer Electric continues to face issues caused by the storm.

“While we are excited to reach this milestone, there is still a lot of work left,” said Manager of Engineering and Operations, Mike Haney. “Due to the storm’s massive reach, more than 300 transformers will need to be replaced. Crews will also be stabilizing leaning poles and cleaning up debris,” said Haney.

On April 30, reports of heavy snow began stemming across Pioneer Electric’s service territory. At the height of the storm, damages included 2,000 downed poles and an estimated 6,000 without power. Mutual aid crews and contractors from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska were quick to help in aiding restoration efforts. Together, they battled mud, impassable roads and wet conditions. On May 8, power was restored to all residential meters. Mutual aid crews were released back home and work was shifted to meters tied to gas and irrigation wells.

“Throughout the course of Ursa restoration, we have been honored to have some outstanding support from our mutual aid crews,” said Haney “We appreciate the line crews that took time away from their lives and families to come help us rebuild miles and miles of our system.”

Pioneer Electric would like to thank members for their continued patience.

“At the heart of our Cooperative lies the outstanding support of the communities we serve,” said Haney. “Thank you for all the support during this time.”