Oronoco, MN (KROC AM News) - Dozens of electrical crews endured long hours and chilly weather but by Saturday evening, they had restored service to hundreds of People’s Energy Cooperative customers.

As of 11:30 AM Sunday, less than 60 customers were without service.

Nearly 9,000 customers lost power as a result of last week’s storm and some were without service for three days. Co-op Director of Cooperative Relations Gwen Stevens says townships hardest hit were Canisteo, Rock Dell, and Pleasant Valley due to numerous broken poles and downed power lines.

She also sent this shout out to the crews that helped make repairs:

“We are very thankful for our member’s patience, understanding, and well wishes. We are also very grateful for the 18 crews from other utilities that helped with restoration efforts. They were from Rochester Public Utilities, Connexus Energy (Ramsey, MN), Dakota Electric Association (Farmington, MN), East Central Energy (Braham, MN), Goodhue County Electric Cooperative Association (Zumbrota, MN), Lake Region Electric Cooperative (Pelican Rapids, MN), Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (Jordan, MN), Stearns Electric Association (Melrose, MN), and PEC contractor Legacy Power Line, Inc.

Thousands of homes and businesses across SE Minnesota lost power during and after the storm. The damage was so widespread in Dodge and Freeborn counties, officials declared a state of emergency. National Guard troops assisted with traffic control in some areas due to downed power lines and poles.

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