UDWI REMC Provides Update on Storm Restoration 

Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC would like to thank members for their patience as we work to assess damages and restore power as a result of yesterday’s storm that affected nearly 9,000 members. We believe two separate tornados also touched down in our service territory during the storm, causing significant infrastructure loss in some areas.

“Our crews are onsite, seeing the damage and the homes and properties that are completely devastated. Some of our members have lost everything, and many have extensive damage that may not allow them to return to their homes,” said Doug Childs, UDWI REMC CEO. “Our hearts and prayers are with our members, and we ask that everyone be safe and, if you are able, lend a hand to those in need.”

As of mid-day Saturday, May 17, we have restored power for a majority of our members, but around 1,000 members remain without power, and it is likely that repairs for those hardest hit areas will extend into the next several days.

Lineman crews will need to rebuild infrastructure, reset poles, and hang new lines before power can be restored. Due to the severity of the damage, we do not have estimated restoration times but will provide updates as they become available. Please know we are working hard to get all members’ power restored as quickly as possible while keeping our crews safe.

Areas most impacted include:

Monroe County

• Ison Rd– Infrastructure destroyed (extensive damage to homes and property)
• Harmony Rd – several broken poles

Greene Co

• County Road W 325 N– Infrastructure destroyed (extensive damage to homes and property)
• County Road N 475 W – several broken poles
• County Road W 295 N – several broken poles
• County Road n 900 W – several broken poles
• County Road W 150 N – several broken poles

Our line crews worked through the night, and we have called in outside assistance from other co-ops and contractors. We thank those outside crews for their willingness to help as our crews have worked through the night and continue to be in the field.

“We are proud of the phenomenal job our team has done in the face of this damage, restoring power to thousands of members so far. Much of the damage that’s remaining is catastrophic, but our employees, contractors, and cooperative neighbors will be working tirelessly to restore power to everyone,” said UDWI REMC Chief Operating Officer, Shane Smith. “Our dispatch and engineering teams have remained on duty since the onset of the storm and will continue working with our members and helping guide our line crews as we navigate the next several days.”

Members can report an outage by calling the UDWI office (812-384-4446), using the UDWI app (UDWI REMC in the App Store and Google Play Store), or via UDWI’s texting service (please visit the outage hub on our website to learn more). Social media continues to be monitored, and we will post updates as they become available. Please know we are seeing and hearing your inquiries, however, due to the volume we may not be able to respond to all messages or comments immediately. 

We share in your frustration as our employees, line crews, their families and our entire community feel the impact of this storm and many of us are still without power as well. Thank you again for your patience and understanding, and please be safe!