September 2021 Fiber Construction Update

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of the year and fall has arrived. Our crews and contractors have been working non-stop across several areas to construct 500 miles of fiber in 2021. We have run into delays in some project areas and know that many of you have been inquiring about fiber availability dates. This construction update contains information on those delays.

Cornwall East / Irish Creek / Nature Camp / Vesuvius / South River: As fiber contractors were building mainline fiber through this project area, they discovered vegetation issues that impeded their progress. We dispatched ROW crews to this area to re-clear the lines and that has been completed, however it did delay the construction process. We also encountered some delays to complete a needed railroad crossing with our fiber. Fortunately, construction has now resumed.

North Raphine / Augusta County: This CAF project is underway and we have completed the process of address collection and engineering and design work for this area. Construction crews have begun work in North Raphine, however, they have encountered dense rock on Gibbs Run and Spring Run that is greatly slowing the construction process. We are working with our contractors to determine the best path forward, but this project is delayed and connection of service will likely not begin until 2022 now.

There are many areas eligible to sign-up for BARC Connects broadband service. If you are questioning if your area is eligible, you can always visit our website http://shop.barcconnects.net or call us at 800-846-2272 and one of our Customer Service team members will be happy to help you. The below chart provides a status update of 2021 fiber construction areas. While construction is still going on in your area, be sure to take advantage of our “free service drop” promotion if you live in an eligible area. Terms and conditions apply – see our website for details.

We also want to provide you with some information on future construction areas for 2022 and 2023 in the chart below:

We encourage all residents and businesses in eligible areas where construction is underway to sign up for service now so we can have you in our queue as construction is completed. We are also enhancing efforts to keep you updated on the status of your area with pre-construction postcards letting you know what to expect as well as follow-up information on service options and how to sign-up for service. Consumers with eligible addresses should have received information on how to sign up for service. You can always check our website www.barcconnects.net to see if your address is eligible for service by selecting “Sign Up Now”.

As a reminder, we are no longer offering TV service to new consumers effective April 1, 2021. We have launched our new website and encourage you to take a look.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, our crews, or anything related to BARC services, please contact us at 800-846-2272 or via email at support@barcconnects.net. You can always stay up to date on our progress by visiting https://www.barcconnects.net/news or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BARCElectricCooperative