UPDATE: As of 8:15 p.m. power has been restored to all Rocky Mountain Power customers. Eskelsen said that an undetermined problem caused a circuit breaker to be activated. Circuit breakers are protective devices that open up when they detect a sustained electrical disturbance on the line. Although it is unknown what caused the circuit breaker to activate in this instance, it could be wind or lightning, among other things.
ST. GEORGE – Rocky Mountain Power is experiencing interruptions to several substations in the area of Veyo, Gunlock, Brookside, Enterprise, Winchester Hills, Central, Dammeron Valley and Diamond Valley. Approximately 1,927 power customers are affected.
The outage involves four substations in those areas, the power company’s spokesman Dave Eskelsen said. Crews have been dispatched and are patrolling to determine the cause.
At 7:10 p.m. Eskelsen said that he expects it will be several hours before power is restored.
Although the fire information officer reports on the Cinder Pit Fire, currently burning wildlands between Brookside and Veyo, since 3:35 p.m. yesterday have indicated a power line threatened, Eskelsen said that the Rocky Mountain Power dispatch center does not think that the power outage is related to the fire.
Outage preparation is advised before nightfall. This report will be updated as information is received.
Public service reminder: It is important to always call 811, which reaches an underground utility locating service that is local to you, prior to starting a project that involves digging– whether you are a contractor using heavy equipment or a homeowner putting in a new fence – Blue Stakes of Utah, or the applicable locator company, will mark underground utility lines for free in order to prevent accidents and ensure people stay safe.
Resources
Blue Stakes of Utah website – to locate underground utility lines
Call 811 for service in locating underground utility lines – national hotline
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As a long time resident of Winchester Hills I can attest to the terrible service provided by UP&L-Rocky Mtn Power. I wish they would give the service to a local company who may be interested in providing service personnel who are local and actually able to make repairs.
I also am a resident that depends on Rocky Mountain Power. We live in a rather isolated area and a power outage is not uncommon. I have so impressed with the quick response from the professionals at Rocky Mountain Power. Regardless of the time, temperature, or location they are always there promptly. Any time there has been a problem they have been very pleasant and do everything they can to repair the problem. I am very grateful for these dedicated professionals. I remember when we first moved up here and the outages were far more frequent and lasted much longer. Big improvement!