Dubois REC Plans Feb. 17 Outage South of Birdseye for Bridge Work

Dubois REC scheduled a planned power outage for customers south of Birdseye on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, with the utility setting the shutdown from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. The cooperative said the outage was required so crews could relocate overhead lines to accommodate bridge-construction work being carried out by the State of Indiana.

The outage window was listed as approximately four hours, with power to be turned off during that span. Dubois REC described the interruption as temporary and tied directly to the line relocation work that must precede or accompany the state project on the bridge south of Birdseye.

Dubois REC provided utility messaging asking for patience during the scheduled work, saying in its advisory: “Dubois REC says the work is essential to support infrastructure improvements and appreciates the patience and understanding of members during the scheduled outage.” That statement framed the outage as a necessary step in supporting the State of Indiana’s bridge construction rather than as routine maintenance.

The advisory did not specify how many customers would be affected, which road segments south of Birdseye would fall inside the outage footprint, or whether any critical facilities were within the shutoff area. The notice also did not include a phone number or direct contact for Dubois REC, nor did it include a detailed map showing the exact locations impacted by the 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. window.

As the State of Indiana continues bridge work in the Birdseye area, Dubois County residents should expect relocation of utilities to be part of the construction sequence. Dubois REC’s announcement tied the Feb. 17 outage specifically to that relocation effort; the cooperative and state contractors will need to issue further notices if additional outages or longer interruptions become necessary as the project advances.