DES: More Than 13,000 Without Power After Winter Storm Fern; Outage Restorations Expected to Take Multiple Days
Dickson, TN — Dickson Electric System (DES) says it is operating in “full storm response mode” Monday morning as crews work across its service territory to restore power following Winter Storm Fern, an ice storm that caused widespread damage to the system.
In a 9:15 a.m. update on Jan. 26, DES reported 13,120 customers were without power due to “extensive storm damage,” and warned that restoration is expected to be a multi-day event lasting well into the week. The utility said crews are encountering broken poles, downed power lines, fallen trees, and hazardous road conditions, all of which can slow repairs.
“All DES line crews, along with contracted and mutual aid crews, are actively working all throughout our service territory to make repairs and restore service as safely and quickly as conditions allow,” DES said.
Outside crews mobilized from across the region
DES leadership said it began preparing late last week as forecasts signaled the potential for significant impacts. According to the utility, it proactively secured additional personnel before the storm hit and currently has approximately 20 additional line and right-of-way crews assisting with restoration work.
DES also said more help is on the way, with additional lineworkers and tree-trimming crews en route from Arkansas, Kentucky, Tullahoma, Clarksville, Shelbyville, and Memphis.
The utility emphasized that restoration work is being carried out by a wide range of departments and personnel—“linemen, engineers, operations, warehouse, metering personnel, dispatchers, and management team members”—who are working extended hours and will continue until all customers are restored.
Business office closed Monday as focus shifts to restoration
DES announced its business office and lobby are closed Monday, Jan. 26, to allow staff to focus on storm response and restoration efforts. The utility again urged customers to plan for a prolonged outage period as crews work through what it called a high-impact, large-scale event.
“With an event of this magnitude, full restoration will take multiple days,” DES said, adding that crews will work “as quickly and safely as conditions allow.”
Safety warnings: downed lines, generators, and medical needs
DES issued multiple safety reminders, urging residents to stay clear of downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment and to always assume lines are energized.
The utility asked residents to report downed power lines to 911 and to DES at (615) 446-9051. DES also provided guidance for generator use, warning customers to follow all safety guidelines to prevent backfeed onto the system and to never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide.
DES also urged customers who rely on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment to make alternative arrangements immediately if without power and to contact local emergency services if necessary.
How to report outages and track updates
DES encouraged customers to report outages and check restoration information through several channels:
Call: (615) 446-9051
Text (registered customers): Text “out” to 877-443-2333 to report an outage, or “status” to receive updates
Online outage map: outage.dicksonelectric.com (DES noted heavy traffic may require multiple attempts)
DES thanked customers for their patience and support, calling the event “historic” and emphasizing that crews will remain in the field around the clock until power is restored to every customer.