PUEBLO WEST, CO – San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. experienced an usually long and vast power outage beginning at approximately 7AM on Thursday, February 18, lasting into Friday afternoon. Southern Colorado was mercilessly hounded by winds with reported gusts of over 85 MPH. The weather caused power to be lost across the service territory; at the outage’s highest volume, 2,000 Members were in the dark. Areas impacted were: Rye, Colorado City, San Isabel, Cuchara, Beulah, La Veta, Gardner, Walsenburg and even Pueblo West.
Crews fought to keep up with the wind’s wrath as it blew over colossal trees and random debris from various structures, onto San Isabel’s power lines causing wires to disconnect and power to be lost. Most of San Isabel Electric’s poles stood unharmed, tasking crews to primarily cut away debris to repair lines. As one area was repaired, another lost power, keeping all line crews dispatched all day Thursday. Restoration processes remained disciplined, methodical and safe; San Isabel uses only best-in-class safety practices which keeps crews healthy and able to work.
San Isabel Electric’s territory is expansive and diverse. As of 2PM on Friday, February 19, less than 50 Members are left without power. The remaining outages are scattered, mostly in higher elevations and remote residential locations. Chief Operating Officer, Darryl Stewart, commented on the outage, “We are very grateful to our Members for understanding the challenges we face and being supportive as we restore power. Their patience and kind words are much appreciated.” As always, Members were updated throughout the day via the San Isabel Electric Facebook and the local media. These tools help SIEA to keep Members in-the-know even when they are experiencing an outage. For updates, tips and tricks, find and “Like” San Isabel Electric on Facebook!
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As a not-for-profit cooperative utility, San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. provides electricity to rural communities through Southern Colorado. Serving 20,000 Members, San Isabel Electric Association has been keeping the lights on since 1938.