Wasco Electric Cooperative’s restoration process focuses on safely and efficiently restoring power during outages, prioritizing critical areas first.
When electricity goes out, most of us expect power to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm causes widespread damage, longer outages may result. Co-op crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible.
Here’s what’s going on if you find yourself in the dark.
Powering Up After An Outage
- High-Voltage Transmission Lines: Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.
- Distribution Substation: A substation can serve hundreds of members. When a major outage occurs, crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist further down the line.
- Main Distribution Lines: If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of members in our communities.
- Tap Lines: If local outages persist, supply lines (also known as tap lines) are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes.
- Individual Homes: If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired. Always call to report an outage to help crews isolate local issues.