Alliant Energy urges safety when using portable generators and reconnecting electric service

As flood waters recede and home and business owners begin recovery efforts, please know that Alliant Energy is partnering with the City of Cedar Rapids and area electrical contractors to coordinate electrical reconnections as quickly and safely as possible. Alliant Energy reminds customers of the following safety guidelines and reconnection procedures.
Portable Generator Safety

If you choose to use a portable generator as a source of electricity for your home, please make sure that it is installed by a licensed contractor. It is also important to notify Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT, so customer service can advise utility personnel working in your area. Due to improper installation, portable generators often back-feed into the distribution system, making it very dangerous for crews working on the electric lines.
Electric Reconnection for Residential Customers

If you are returning to your flood-damaged home, and did not call Alliant Energy to have your electricity disconnected prior to leaving, you must call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) to be disconnected. Never walk through a flooded home or building until the electricity is disconnected. Even a small amount of water on the floor of your basement can put you at risk for electrocution. Once the power is disconnected, it’s safe to begin clean up.

The City of Cedar Rapids has classified residential customers impacted by the flood into three groups.

* Tier I - Customers in non-flooded areas who, as a precautionary measure, were disconnected from electrical service. The City has granted Alliant Energy crews permission to patrol these areas and begin reconnections where it is safe and possible to do so. This process is underway and many customers are already back in service.
* Tier II – Customers with water damage of varying degrees, where the structure of their home is deemed salvageable by Emergency Strike Teams. Work needs to be done to their electrical receptacles, panels, switches, etc. before power can be restored. Customers should contact a local contractor to assess damage and replace or repair necessary equipment. Once complete, the contractor will notify the city code enforcement group that the residence is ready for power restoration. The city will contact Alliant Energy at a designated toll free number to re-energize power to the home. The City of Cedar Rapids will be posting a list of licensed and insured electrical contractors online at www.cedar-rapids.org.
* Tier III – Customers where flood damage is so severe that the integrity of the structure is considered unsafe and unsalvageable. Power cannot be restored to these residents and city and government officials will work with these homeowners to determine options.

Electrical Reconnection for Small to Mid-Size Commercial and Industrial Customers

Customers should contact a local contractor to assess damage and replace or repair necessary equipment. Once complete, the contractor will notify the city code enforcement group that the business is ready for inspection. The city will inspect the condition of the building’s electrical equipment to ensure that it complies with current electrical codes. If all codes are met, the city will contact Alliant Energy at a designated toll free number to re-energize power to the business. The City of Cedar Rapids will be posting a list of licensed and insured electrical contractors online at www.cedar-rapids.org. Alliant Energy’s Business Resource Center is available to assist at 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268).
Walk-in bill payment options

As the walk-in payment office in the Alliant Energy Tower is closed currently, customers who use these services can pay by cash or check at any Western Union® Convenience Pay® location available at all Cedar Rapids Hy-Vee Grocery stores. There is a one-dollar service fee. Free payment services are available online at alliantenergy.com or by phone at 1-800-ALLIANT.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for all who have been affected by the flooding,” said Vern Gebhart, vice president – Alliant Energy Operations – West. “Our crews continue to work to restore power in areas where it is safe to do so and stand ready to reconnect customers once the home has been cleared for re-entry. It is a priority for our customers to be safe as they re-enter and restore their homes, and we truly appreciate their patience and support.”