Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC) had 1,600 members out of power Friday night after strong storms passed through from Carlinville to Taylorville.

President/CEO David Stuva said the co-op has extensive damage, but has not been able to evaluate all of the problems at this point. The worst damage is along Interstate 55 from Litchfield to Chatham and Rochester areas, although the Girard and Virden areas were out due to Ameren transmission line problems Saturday night. RECC crews had just finished a two-day effort Friday evening to restore power after intense wind storms hit Virden, Lowder, Waverly and other areas last Thursday. 

Stuva said additional crews are arriving this morning to help in restoring power, with at least 22 linemen. Crews are expected from Adams Electric, Illinois Rural Electric, Spoon River, McDonough Power and Western Electric Cooperatives.

RECC serves a total of about 5,800 accounts in five counties south of Springfield.  More information can be found on RECC’s Facebook page, or the website at www.recc.coop