I've got some family out in central NE, between Grand Island and Kearney. They lost power for 2 weeks. Got it back on January 12th. Last I heard there were still a few isolated areas without power.

We got lucky in Omaha too, it all turned to snow by the time it hit us.

I don't have a clue about power companies, but wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to bury the lines.... seems like the cost of repairs after ice storms would cover the inital burying costs?