Every year at this time people in south Louisiana brace themselves for another potentially destructive hurricane season. The 2007 hurricane season begins on June 1 and continues through November 30. Joseph H. “Jodie” Cotten, manager of Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation, said, “Since we cannot stop hurricanes the only thing we can do is work on being better prepared and know what to do in case one hits.”

If you use a standby generator during a power outage, PCEMC reminds you that an improper generator hook-up can create serious problems in safety and service.

It is very important that your generator has the proper transfer switch. This switching device is used to transfer the electric service from the power line to the generator. The switch also separates the generator from the outside utility service. If the transfer switch is not used, back feed from the generator voltage on power lines could endanger the lives of line crews working to restore your power.

Please contact PCEMC at (225) 638-3751 for information on installing and using standby generators. Jodie Cotten also invites you to stop by Pointe Coupee Electric to pick up the guidelines on “How to Properly Use a Generator.”

Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric cooperative serving areas of Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes. PCEMC currently has storm preparedness brochures, hurricane tracking charts as well as “How to operate a portable generator” guidelines available at our office at 2506 False River Drive in New Roads. Please stop by Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m and 4:30 p.m. to pick up these helpful brochures.

Pointe Coupee Electric is more than just an electric utility company. We are Connecting People…Impacting Lives!