Posted on Monday September 14, 2020
The power interruptions occurring over the weekend on the morning of Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, were both found to be caused by squirrels within the sub-station facility located at the power plant. The interruption Saturday lasted about 25 minutes and Sunday’s interruption was about 35 minutes. The majority of the City’s service area was affected other than a portion of the northeast area.
The power interruptions were immediately indicated to the operator on duty. Electric Distribution staff were called to investigate, as in any power interruption, and assess the cause before any power is restored. In both instances, the problem was indicated to be in the sub-station and staff found the cause quickly. Squirrels entering the sub-station area has been a continuing problem through the years. Protective coverings have been installed to sub-station equipment and additional coverings will continue to be added and/or replaced as necessary as well as evaluation of other protective measures that may be available.