In case you didn't know, Alabama has a football game Thursday night

We've had a few people ask "what is the co-op doing to prepare for the weather (ultra cold temperatures and snow) predicted for Thursday?"

What they are really trying to say is "what is the co-op doing to make sure the power doesn't go out while I'm watching Alabama play Texas in the BCS national championship game?"

Well, there is good news and bad news.

The good news — most weather forecasts we've been following are calling for anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow. That's not a problem. Snow by itself really poses no major threat to the power distribution system (power lines). If all we get is a few inches of snow, then people should be able to go outside after the game and celebrate Alabama's victory by making snow angels in the front yard.

The bad news — the well-below-freezing temperatures pose a potential threat. When it gets Minnesota cold in Alabama, everyone tends to crank up the heater and/or plug in space heaters. When everyone is using more electricity than they normally would, that could cause circuits to overload, and that could result in a power outage.

Cullman EC's construction and engineering staff monitor our electrical system throughout the year in an effort to prevent just these type of problems. But sometimes Mother Nature takes over and there is nothing we can do except deal with the consequences as quickly — and safely — as possible.

So, to answer the question: Yes, we are prepared for the cold weather. We've done everything we can to make sure you can watch the big game while staying warm inside your home. And if Mother Nature causes problems, you can be assured Cullman EC's linemen will be working to fix the problems ASAP.