Recent Press Release

Alliant Energy facility and flood effects update 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – June 12, 2008 – Currently, as a result of the flooding and storms approximately 10,000 customers are without power in east Central Iowa. More Alliant Energy facilities have been affected and this may impact additional customers as the flood waters continue to rise.

The Prairie Creek Generating Station and substation, located in southwest Cedar Rapids, has now been shut down due to flooding. As a result, electric service to customers is being re-routed if possible. Customers impacted by the shutdown may include Alliant Energy customers in portions of the southwest quadrant of Cedar Rapids. It is expected that Linn County REC customers located in Ely and Solon will be impacted as well. The facility will remain shut down until flood waters recede. Linn County REC and Alliant Energy expect that electric service will be restored to the majority of customers within the next day. However, it is expected that some customers will remain without power until new power lines are built to connect with alternate sources.

Alliant Energy call center systems have been impacted by both flooding and severe weather. Customers calling in for information or with questions may have a longer than usual wait time. We are trying to be as responsive as possible under the circumstances and appreciate our customer’s patience and understanding.

Earlier today, the Sixth Street Generatiing Station, which provides power to much of the downtown Cedar Rapids, was shut down due to rising flood waters. As a result, the downtown district, which includes about 1,000 customers, is without power for an indefinite period of time. The downtown area is under mandatory evacuation.

Crews continue to work to restore power to customers where it is safe to do so. With additional severe weather predicted and flood waters continuing to rise, customers are encouraged to prepare for potential extended electric outages that could last longer than one week and to use caution during flooding situations.

“We are in uncharted territory as the rising flood waters are having a devastating impact upon the Cedar Rapids area,” said Vern Gebhart, Vice President – Alliant Energy Operations – West. “Our employees continue to work around the clock to maintain and restore electric service to our customers as safely and quickly as possible.”

In addition, Alliant Energy is working closely with ITC Midwest LLC, the company that owns and operates the high-voltage transmission system in the region, to secure the regional power grid that supports downtown Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area.  ITC Midwest is working closely with Alliant Energy to dispatch additional crews and equipment necessary to address outages or equipment failure resulting from flooding. 

"This is clearly an unprecedented situation," said Doug Collins, executive director of ITC Midwest.  "We are in constant contact with Alliant Energy to offer whatever support we can provide to the efforts, making available resources from around our service area to assist with the storm response."

For more information, call Alliant Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-255-4628. You can also check out the Storm and Outage Center in the Utility Services section of our website at Storm & Outage Center.

Media Hotline: (319) 786-4040