7/15/93

Area utility services have a plan in case the Hannibal area loses power because of flooding.

The Union Electric power station near Mark Twain Cave is holding its own against the flood, but there is an excellent chance the river will rise far enough to shut it down.

Crews expect the station, which provides all the power for the city, to easily survive a 30-foot crest. Past that, however, the situation raises concerns.

Ralph Shaw, general manager of Northeast Power, said UE brought a portable substation and is ready to be turned on at the power station on Orchard Avenue south of Hannibal.

Shaw said the portable substation could provide about 75 percent of Hannibal's power needs.

However, large industries will be asked to close and residents will be asked to turn off air conditioners.

Crews spent most of Friday and Saturday getting the portable substation ready.

If the Board of Public Works South Main Street substation is lost because of flooding, the board will transfer the power load to other substations in the city.

Some Bear Creek-area residents already have lost power because of flooding.

The Missouri Rural Electric Cooperative in Palmyra does not receive power from the threatened UE power station, so Marion County residents north and west should have power if the UE power station is lost.

MREC power customers in West Quincy and along the riverfront in Marion County may lose power if flooding reaches homes or businesses.

Customers of Ralls County Electric Cooperative in New London also will not be affected if the UE power station is lost.