PUEBLO WEST, CO – San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. experienced a large power outage on Thursday, April 28, 2016. The outages began at approximately 9:00 p.m. that night. At its highest, over 3,000 Members were without power. Trinidad, Gardner, Aguilar, Weston and Rye were impacted the most, but all areas did experience some type of outage. Heavy spring snow continues to effect the power lines and create a unique challenge for the SIEA linemen. At around 9:30 p.m. on April 30, 2016, all known outages were restored with power.
SIEA line crews began working on the outages as soon as they were dispatched. Outage numbers grew throughout the day as large snowflakes continued to fall on the power lines. Because the outage was so large, the Pueblo West and Walsenburg line crews were sent to the Trinidad area to help restore power for all Members. Outside crews were also dispatched to help with the outage in the Trinidad area. Unloading caused the majority of outages that arose throughout the SIEA service territory. Unloading occurs when the heavy, wet spring snow weighs down the wires. When the snow falls off of the lines, it then causes them to spring up and make contact with other wires, which creates a problem in such a rural area, with thousands of miles of line.
SIEA Chief Operations Officer, Darryl Stewart, spoke to length of time without power, “We are thankful for the dedication of the crews who put in long hours to restore power to our Members Due to the severity of the storm, we called in every available lineman from San Isabel Electric and brought in outside contractors to restore power as quickly as possible.”
Members were updated throughout the day via the SIEA Facebook and the SIEA website. These tools allow Members to receive frequent updates and information regarding the status of their power outage. For updates, tips and tricks, find and “Like” San Isabel Electric on Facebook!
###
As a not-for-profit cooperative utility, San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. provides electricity to rural communities through southern Colorado. Serving nearly 19,000 Member-owners and 24,000 Members, San Isabel Electric Association has been keeping the lights on since 1938.