Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) crews and nearly a thousand field workers from around the Midwest are actively repairing extensive damage and restoring power to customers impacted by the March 29 severe ice and snow storms.
As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, crews have restored power to more than 162,000 customers.
WPS has received more than 1,600 reports of significant damage, including snapped utility poles, downed power lines and damaged electric equipment.
We are making steady progress and anticipate that most customers, who are able to receive service, will be back on by Thursday evening. These areas include Minocqua east to Marinette, including Rhinelander, Crandon, Wabeno and Wausaukee.
Damaged electric service equipment owned by customers (such as the periscope or meter enclosure), could prevent the safe reconnection power. If this occurs, repairs to the customers’ equipment are necessary and should be done by an electrician or qualified contractor that the customer hires. The company cannot reattach the service line until the damaged equipment is repaired and certified to meet all appropriate electric codes. This is for our customers’ safety.
More information customers should know before turning the power back on
All available crews will continue to work around the clock until every last customer has their lights back on.
While final details are being gathered, WPS believes its response will be one of the largest restoration efforts in company history.
Customers without power can receive the latest information on their estimated time of restoration by using the WPS app or our online outage map.
If you come across a downed power line, stay at least 25 feet away and report it to WPS or local law enforcement immediately.
Customers can reach out to 211 or visit their local county or municipality’s website to find available warming locations.
We appreciate our customers’ patience and kind words for our crews as we continue to work around-the-clock to restore power.