When you think about what causes power outages, you’re probably most familiar with powerful storms and strong winds that bring down trees and power lines. And while you’d be correct, there’s another cause that may not seem as obvious: vehicle accidents.
So far in 2023, 434 vehicle accidents caused power outages across our service territory. Outages resulting from vehicle accidents are often longer than other outages (sometimes six or more hours) depending on how much equipment is brought down and how complicated the repair is.
When possible, we work to switch customers to another power source while our crews work to safely complete repairs — but that’s not always possible due to system constraints. Below we break down how much work happens after a crash.
Step 1: Secure the Scene
As always, the safety of our employees and the public is our number one priority. Our crews work closely to make sure the scene is safe for emergency responders to do their job – this means ensuring all downed wires are de-energized so everyone can work safely.
Important Reminder: Watch the video below to make sure you know what to do if you find yourself in an accident with wires down.
Step 2: Disassemble Pole & Remove Equipment
After emergency responders have completed their work, our crews start to carefully remove any equipment attached to the damaged pole. Next, they must remove the damaged pole.
Step 3: Set New Pole
After the old pole is removed, crews have to put a new pole in place (this includes digging a new hole and backfilling it) — poles can be 40 to 90 feet in height and weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 pounds, requiring the operation of heavy machinery.
Step 4: Install Equipment On Pole
Once the new pole is in place, lineworkers must reattach all of the equipment — like transformers, crossarms, insulators and wires — to the new pole (or install new equipment if the old devices were damaged).
Step 5: Re-Energize
After everything is in position, it’s time for lineworkers to restore power. This involves close communication with our dispatch center to ensure the safety of our crews and the public before power is restored to all customers.
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As you can see, it’s a complex, time-consuming process – and there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.
Every hour lineworkers spend addressing situations like these is one less hour they can spend making improvements to help keep the power flowing.
Please practice safe driving each and every day so you can make it home to your loved ones.
Published on June 20, 2023.
Good information here! Most folks may not know all that is entailed in your hard work, and to be patient.
Safe driving practices are definitely needed around here :o)
Thank you for all you do~