Dominion Energy prepares for possible widespread power outages amid winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Dominion Energy officials said they are preparing for the possibility of widespread power outages as heavy snow and ice are expected to move across the Commonwealth.

With less than 48 hours before the storm arrives, hundreds of Dominion Energy crews and support personnel are being fully mobilized and placed on standby to respond to outages that may occur.

Craig Carper, a Dominion Energy spokesperson, said storm preparation is a year-round effort, starting with regular tree trimming to reduce the risk of branches falling onto power lines.

“Tree maintenance is happening year-round. We’ve constantly got crews looking and assessing where growth could present problems,” Carper said.

Despite ongoing preparation, ice accumulation remains the greatest concern when it comes to power outages. Even small amounts of ice can weigh down trees and power lines enough to cause damage.

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“If you add a bit of ice, and it doesn’t take a lot, like a quarter of an inch, it can be enough to knock out power,” Carper said.

Heavy ice can impact trees and power lines and may also slow power restoration efforts by making roads difficult or impossible for crews to travel.

Officials encourage customers to report outages and storm damage, as it helps crews identify problem areas more quickly.

“There was a broken tree limb in my backyard that knocked out a big span of wire,” Carper said, describing the type of information that can be useful to crews. Residents are also asked to report blocked roads near their property if they see them.

If you encounter a downed power line, officials warn to always assume it is live and stay at least 30 feet away. Outages and hazards can be reported through the Dominion Energy app.