KCP&L OFFERS TIPS FOR WEATHERING SPRING STORMS

Spring storm season is upon us, and customers in KCP&L’s service territory have already endured a few early spring storms. KCP&L wants to help its customers be prepared for storm season. In the Midwest, severe storms are most likely to occur April though July.

Customers can take several steps to prepare themselves and their homes for a storm. A few tips include:

• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers; include 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852) for reporting an outage to KCP&L. Customers’ phone calls are the best way for KCP&L to know they are without power and they allow the company to better determine the full extent of damage in their neighborhood.
• Assemble a storm kit that contains a battery-powered radio or TV, flashlights, blankets and other essential items. Keep it centrally located, and ensure all family members know where to find it.
• Register with KCP&L as a Medical Customer by calling (816) 471-5275 if you are homebound and rely on medical- or life-support equipment that isn’t supported by back-up power supplies. KCP&L wants to remind those who are already registered as Medical Customers that the program requires an annual enrollment process. For more information visit www.kcpl.com/residential/medicalcust.html.
• Enroll in KCP&L’s Meter-based Surge Protection program to safe-guard sensitive computer and electronic equipment. More information about Surge Protection is available at www.kcplsave.com/residential.

When a storm threatens in your area, keep the local news on for weather updates. After a storm, stay clear of downed power lines. If the lines are on the ground, they may be energized and deadly. Contact KCP&L immediately to report a power outage or downed power lines.

If the power is out at your home, disconnect or shut off appliances that will automatically come on when the power is restored such as a washer or dryer, air conditioner and television. If all appliances come on at once, it may overload the circuits.

When inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, arrives, significant damage to the KCP&L electrical system may occur. KCP&L has also taken steps to prepare the utility for the spring storm season.

“KCP&L recently reviewed its storm restoration plan and emergency response plan in preparation for the upcoming storm season,” said Bill Herdegen, KCP&L vice president of Transmission & Distribution. “Before storm season hits, KCP&L takes several preventative measures such as trimming trees near power lines, examining our transmission lines and patrolling to ensure equipment is maintained and functioning properly.”

During an outage, KCP&L does everything possible to quickly and safely restore power. The electric utility is a leader in the Midwest for storm response and is recognized nationally for system reliability. In fact, KCP&L recently received PA Consulting Group’s 2009 Plains Region ReliabilityOne award, for the third consecutive year. The award recognized KCP&L as a national leader in delivering reliable electric service to its customers. Also in 2009, KCP&L received Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award for providing outstanding assistance to fellow utilities impacted by disaster events.

For the most up-to-date information about power outages and restoration, view our real-time PowerWatch map at www.kcpl.com.