PARKER, Pa., July 6, 2026 - Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) continues working to restore power after additional storms and flash flooding moved through the service territory Sunday evening, causing new outages and restoration challenges. Multiple severe storms and extreme heat over the last three days have made outage restoration efforts difficult during the holiday weekend. 

CEC lineworkers, with the assistance of crews from Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and numerous contractors, will continue to safely and efficiently restore power for remaining members. 

As of 1:00 pm on Monday, July 6, approximately 130 CEC members are without electricity. Crews are currently on site working to restore service to the majority of those affected members. 

Prior to an evening storm on July 5 moving through the CEC service territory, outages remaining from Friday and Saturday were down to approximately 250 members. Outages were up to weekend highs Sunday evening when power was lost to three substations. The substation issues were resolved overnight.

The forecast for the upcoming week includes additional thunderstorms and heavy rain. CEC reminds everyone to stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared: 

• Keep flashlights, batteries, and radios ready.
• Have water and no-cook food on hand.
• Charge phones and devices ahead of time.
• Have a plan in place for at-home medical equipment that requires electricity and alternative plans for vulnerable individuals.
• Secure loose outdoor items, like furniture and trampolines, that could create hazards.

Assume all downed lines are energized and dangerous, and to stay no less than 30 ft away. Never remove trees and debris from power lines and avoid flooded areas, especially near power lines.

Members experiencing outages should call 800-282-8610 or report online with their SmartHub account.  

CEC thanks its members and the community for their continued patience and understanding as restoration efforts continue. 

Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving approximately 25,000 members with over 3,000 miles of distribution line in portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Mercer and Venango counties.