LPEA reports power outages

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As dawn comes on, and the wet snow that blanketed Archuleta and La Plata counties overnight begins to unload from trees and wires, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is experiencing a host of smaller outages throughout its service territory. Crews have been on alert and are attending to outages as quickly as possible — although road conditions may cause some delays.

As of 5 a.m., approximately 160 LPEA customers were out of power, with the two largest outages being 63 customers in the Meadows Dr. area in Archuleta County, and approximately 70 in the Ticolote/D-K area of Durango/Bayfield. Both outages occurred between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. and crews have been assigned. No specific cause is known, though the heavy snow is suspected.

In coming hours, LPEA customers may experience what is known as “the blinks” as the snow that has built up on power lines dislodges, causing the wires to bounce. For safety purposes, if the lines come in contact with anything, power will automatically be cut. The system will test itself and restore power if no damage has occurred. Power will remain out if the system senses an additional problem, and LPEA crews will be dispatched.

In the event of an outage, LPEA members are encouraged to call 247-5786. More information will be disseminated as it becomes available.