Cold weather was no match for We Energies

When the polar vortex hit Wisconsin on Jan. 29, the state practically shut down. From the closing of school and government buildings to the unthinkable – the stoppage of beer deliveries – the historic cold put a freeze on people’s lives. However, through the subzero temperatures, we kept life moving along and our customers warm by providing critical energy to our more than 2 million customers across the state.

The bitter cold did produce some unique challenges to our equipment, which caused scattered power outages. But our workers braved the weather and worked safely and quickly to restore power to customers.

The hard work was recognized by our customers on social media. A video of one crew restoring power has garnered more than 2,500 likes and loves, and thanks flooded in on Facebook and Twitter, with one person writing:

"Thank you to the true heroes that braved the cold so we could have power again!"

The national media also picked up on the work of our crews. The Washington Post talked to a customer in West Allis who had his power restored:

“I was amazed how fast they got it back,” said Dan Bark, whose house sits diagonally across from the damaged power lines. “We were trying to figure out contingency plans.”

Not seen by the public, but also important in keeping the heat on in the cold, are the hundreds of other We Energies workers who keep the power generation going and the gas and steam flowing.

Thank you to all the utility workers across the state and region who kept us all warm.