Pacific Power Working to Restore Electricity in Polk County

August 02, 2012

INDEPENDENCE – Approximately 5,075 Pacific Power customers in the Polk County area are currently without electricity due to an equipment problem at the Independence substation. The outage began before 8 a.m. today, August 2. We are advising customers their electric service may not be restored until early tomorrow, Friday, August 3.

Pacific Power encourages customers to make any necessary preparations for businesses, homes and family members for an extended outage.

The equipment problem is with what is called a “load tap changer,” a key part of the main power transformer at the substation. The repair and/or replacement will be extensive, so, Pacific Power is transporting a mobile transformer to the site to restore service to customers until more permanent repairs can be made.

The mobile unit is being trucked from the Albany area. Once it arrives, it takes several hours to safely set up, connect and energize it before it can begin picking up customer load.

“Pacific Power appreciates our customers’ patience as we work to restore service,” said Doris Johnston, regional community manager. “While we’re working to restore service as quickly and safety as possible, we urge our customers to be safe, and take necessary precautions and preparations for an extended outage.”

Safety reminders include:

• Check on friends and neighbors who may need assistance.
• As much as possible, do not open refrigerators and freezers—they will keep food and perishables inside cold for some time if not opened.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Never use kerosene or propane heaters inside without proper ventilation. They create dangerous fumes. Also, don’t use charcoal in your house or garage.
• If using a generator, make sure it is properly wired for your home or business, and don’t connect a generator directly to your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel. This can create a dangerous backfeed hazard for lines crews. Be certain the generator is in a well-ventilated area.
• Unplugging appliances, televisions and other electrical equipment around the home will reduce demand on the system as power is brought back on.

Pacific Power crews are working on this as a top priority. Updates will be provided as available. For more information, call Pacific Power toll free at 877-508-5088. For periodic updates, go to www.pacificpower.netoutage.