Alliant Energy moves forward with plans to reconnect Cedar Rapids downtown business district

Company to finish assessments of underground electric system next week; electric restoration timeline to be outlined after assessments are completed

Alliant Energy announced today its initial plans to restore electric service to the flood-ravaged downtown business district in Cedar Rapids. The company continues to assess damage to the downtown underground electric system and is repairing parts of the electric system that are accessible and have been deemed safe. The company has secured additional engineering and mechanical resources from across the country that have expertise to assist the company in repairing underground electric systems after natural disasters.

In addition, the company continues to work closely with other customers impacted by the flooding near the downtown business district that are not on the underground electric system to restore electric service as quickly and safely as possible.

Alliant Energy expects to complete its assessment of the system next week and will provide a timeline to begin restoring electric service to parts of the downtown business district after the assessments are completed. Electric service restoration will be coordinated with the Cedar Rapids leaders and police and fire officials to ensure customers’ safety.

“The damage to the underground electric system in the downtown business district is extensive,” said Tom Aller, president – Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company. “There are some parts of the underground system that remain inaccessible due to the flooding. We are making assessments and completing repairs where possible. After we complete our assessment of the system next week, we will be working with our city leaders to establish a clear timeline on when power will be restored to parts of the downtown system. We are committed to providing our customers with an accurate assessment of when power will be restored because these individuals are in the process of making important personal and business decisions.”

Alliant Energy strongly encourages customers located in the downtown business district impacted by the floodwaters to contact 1-800-ALLIANT to have their service disconnected prior to beginning clean-up efforts. Alliant Energy continues to work with the City of Cedar Rapids to reconnect customers.

“Our employees are focused on restoring service to customers who can safely have their electric service restored,” added Aller. “We recognize that customers want to get their power restored as quickly as possible. However, the safety of our customers and employees is our first priority. We are grateful for our customers’ patience as they begin the clean-up of their homes and businesses. Representatives from our company will continue to provide our downtown business customers with updates as this situation evolves.”

Alliant Energy also reminds customers choosing to use a portable generator as a source of electricity, 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.

For additional flooding information, please visit www.alliantenergy.com.