February 2016 D


NORTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.


Page 3 Outage map helps keep you informed when the power goes off


uring outages, NWEC uses a powerful tool to aid in power restoration and to help keep you informed on where the power is out. Our outage map is a graphical representation of our service territory and will show where the outages are occurring. It also shows the number of members without power. When an outage occurs, we start re- ceiving calls from our members letting us know they are out of power. The person answering the call will enter the account information into our OMS (Outage Management System). From the data entered, the OMS will look at the nearest piece of equipment where the flow of power has stopped and will “predict” the number of members without power.


For example, a tree branch falls on a line creating a fault. The OMS looks at the data and searches for the clos- est OCR (oil circuit recloser) that may have opened up and interrupted the power flow. The OMS predicts 100 meters are without power. Once the OMS program completes its predic-


Hidden account number contest


Last month’s number went un-


claimed. They belonged to Brian Ramirez and Tim Wheeler.


For those of you who aren’t familiar with the contest, this is how it works. We have hidden two account numbers somewhere in the articles in this newsletter. The numbers will always be enclosed in parentheses and will look similar to this example (XXXXXX).


If you recognize your account


number, all you have to do is give us a call on or before the 8th of the current month and we’ll give you a credit on your bill for the amount stated.


This month’s numbers are worth $50 each. Happy hunting!


1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth


1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened


1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish 3/4 cup crumbled bacon, plus extra for garnish 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste


Combine hash browns, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, bacon bits and cream cheese in slow cooker.


Season with salt and pepper, then use a spoon to break up cream cheese and mix ingredients together.


Place lid on slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring oc- casionally, or until potatoes are tender.


Garnish with rosemary and/or more cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Yield: 6 servings


This is a screenshot of the outage map reflecting the number of members without power on Nov. 30, 2015. The map is available on NWEC’s mobile app, website or at http://outages.nwecok.org/omswebmap/Map/ OMSWebMap.htm. Members can view the map to see the extent of the outage and the areas affected.


tion, it generates a map showing the extent of the outage. Color-coded dots appear on the map showing how many members are off and the location. As more members call in to re- port the outage, the data updates and provides a more accurate count. What


started as 100 meters may actually be 95 instead. (855601001)


NWEC provides the outage infor- mation as part of our ongoing efforts to provide safe, reliable power at the lowest possible cost. This is just one more benefit of being a co-op member.


Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup


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