• Restoration completed in under 2.5 hours
On March 22, a significant power outage affected residents in the Valley, primarily caused by tree interference with power lines. According to Brian Tanabe, Communication Manager at Lower Valley Energy, strong winds throughout the service area exacerbated localized outages, challenging the electrical infrastructure.
The outage was efficiently managed, with the restoration process completed in less than 2.5 hours. Tanabe explained that the team strategically rerouted power, reconnecting customers in designated sections to minimize service interruption. This rapid response was crucial in restoring electricity to the affected areas swiftly.
Lower Valley Energy proactively notified its members through its comprehensive Outage Notification Service, which allows customers to register for real-time updates at [www.LVEnergy.com]. Notifications were also disseminated via SVI News, the company’s website and social media platforms, in collaboration with the Emergency Operations Center to amplify the message.
In light of the outage, the Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management Facebook page posted, “Today’s events have been a good reminder to review some preparedness tips for power outage events.” They also emphasized the importance of communication during such incidents, stating, “PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 to report or get info about power outages. Only for active emergencies.”
Despite maintaining a rigorous vegetation and tree management program, Tanabe acknowledged the unpredictable nature of environmental conditions. “Our rapid response protocol enabled us to quickly address the tree-related interference and restore power efficiently,” he stated.
Lower Valley Energy is committed to improving its infrastructure resilience. Ongoing initiatives include enhanced vegetation management protocols, regular tree trimming, systematic infrastructure assessments, and continued investment in power rerouting capabilities.
Tanabe expressed gratitude on behalf of Lower Valley Energy for the members’ understanding and patience during this temporary service interruption, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing reliable service. Residents are encouraged to visit Lower Valley Energy’s Outage Center online for more information about power outages and updates.
