AEP Texas is making preparations for the winter storm expected to hit the Abilene area this evening, according to Greg Blair, AEP Texas regional manager of External Affairs.  Ice accumulation could reach up to a quarter-inch in the Abilene area with constant winds of 15 miles-per-hour of gusts up to 25 miles-per-hour.

“The ice accumulation and wind causes more pronounced conductor ‘galloping’ and potential for damage,” Blair said.  “As always in these types of situations, we are planning for the worst while hoping that the weather will not be as bad as predicted.”

A total of 90 AEP Texas employees, contractors and other support personnel either are already on their way from Laredo and Dallas and San Angelo or leaving for Abilene on Sunday morning.  Those resources are in addition to the approximately 100 AEP Texas and AEP service techs and support staff who already live and work in the Abilene area.

Electric customers should call the AEP Texas Customer Solutions Center (866-223-8508) to report downed power lines, power outages and any unsafe conditions. Customers may want to have a copy of their electric bill on hand, which contains their ESI ID number. This will help expedite service if they are transferred to an automated system.

Customers on life support or who require an uninterrupted power supply should make alternative arrangements in case of an extended outage. Weather conditions may impede AEP Texas’ ability to access certain areas.

“Safety is our top priority for our employees working on the lines and electric customers we serve,” said Blair. “Please remember to stay clear of any downed lines and assume that they are energized.”

Additional safety tips can be found on AEPTexas.com.

AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, delivers electricity to approximately one million homes, businesses and industries in south and west Texas. AEP Texas provides regulated energy delivery service to consumers, regardless of which Retail Electric Provider they choose. The region headquarters is in Corpus Christi.