REC Restores Power to More Than 13,000 Following Friday’s Severe Storms: 9/5/2026

September 05, 2026

Press ReleaseHuman Interest

REC Restores Power to More Than 13,000 Following Friday’s Severe Storms

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) crews worked throughout the night following Friday’s severe storms, restoring power to more than 13,000 members since outages began.

As of 10:00 a.m. Saturday, approximately 500 members remain without power. Crews continue working across the affected areas and will remain on the job until service is restored to every member affected by the storms.

“Our crews made tremendous progress overnight, restoring power to thousands of members while navigating downed trees, debris and significant damage in some areas,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations. “For the members who remain without power this morning, that work continues. Our crews are focused on each remaining repair and will keep going until everyone is restored.”

Friday’s storms brought down trees, power lines and utility poles in several areas of REC’s service territory. Some of the remaining outages involve more time-intensive repairs, including broken poles and locations where crews must clear debris before safely reaching damaged equipment.

Replacing a broken utility pole can take two to four hours. Crews must safely remove the damaged pole and equipment, set a new pole, then reconnect power lines, transformers and other equipment before power can be restored.

With scattered storms possible again Saturday, REC encourages members to take time this morning to prepare, stay weather aware and be ready in case additional outages occur. Storm preparation information is available at myrec.coop/stormprep.

Members who are without power should report their outage:

Online at myrec.coop/out
Through the MyREC SmartHub app
By texting OUT to 63273
By calling 800-552-3904

Members should stay away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized.

REC appreciates members’ continued patience and support of crews as restoration work continues.

About Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Serving more than 185,000 connections across portions of 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Photo 1: REC lineworker Sean Cain works from a bucket truck to clear a downed tree from power lines during restoration efforts following severe storms that caused widespread outages across the Cooperative’s service territory.