Dave Page, general manager of Whetstone Valley Electric, reported cooperative customers experienced two power outages –one last weekend and one early this week. Both stemmed from equipment working in those areas.
On Saturday, August 3, approximately 200 Whetstone Valley Electric members north and west of Millbank experienced an interruption in service between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. that lasted about 45 minutes. Inspections indicate the outage was caused by an agriculture sprayer coming in contact with an overhead primary power line that resulted in a short circuit. To ensure safety and to protect the infrastructure, circuit breakers operated and de-energized the affected line. When line technicians arrived to inspect the damaged line, the sprayer was no longer present. After a thorough inspection and clearance of the line, the circuit was re-energized and power was restored.
On Monday, August 5, approximately 96 Whetstone Valley Electric members west of Twin Brooks experienced a power outage that lasted about 55 minutes. The outage occurred at around 11:30 a.m. Damage to underground primary power cables sustained from excavating equipment was determined to be the cause. Whetstone Valley Electric’s line crews responded and were able to connect the affected customers to an alternative circuit while the broken cables were repaired..
Page took the opportunity to emphasize the unseen giant flowing through the power lines. He said, “Whetstone Valley Electric’s primary voltage is 7,200 volts and the cooperative’s power supplier’s transmission voltage is 69,000 volts. Other transmission lines in the area carry even higher voltages. The energy these power lines provide is enormously valuable to our lives, and it can also be very dangerous.”
“We cannot stress enough how important it is for individuals to know what is above and below when they are working around electric lines,” Page said. “Remember to call 811 before you dig and to ‘Look Up and Live.’”
He also urges anyone who realizes equipment has hit a power line to call the utility immediately. If the power is still on, line technicians can de-energize the line for the safety of those at the scene. If the power is out, they can begin the work of safely restoring electric service.”
“Whetstone Valley Electric remains committed to maintaining the safety and reliability of its service,” Page concluded. “The cooperative thanks all its members for their patience and support as they work to restore outages as safely and efficiently as possible.”
Staff
No comments so far.
Be first to leave comment below.