DURANGO, Colo. – The light show in the sky during the night translated into light shows in residences throughout La Plata Electric Association’s service territory – but the electrical system held up well through Mother Nature’s wrath.

Lightning, wind and rain – depending on the area - caused brief power outages as the electrical lines were disrupted, automatically “locking open” (or shutting off the electrical power) in case the line was damaged. When the computer system sensed no damage, power would be restored. Flickering lights means the electrical system is operating properly.

One large power outage was experienced at 9:05 p.m. as the 621 breaker that feeds the Trimble Springs substation was affected by lightning forcing 2281 customers out of power. Crews patrolled the line and found no damage. The line was then re-energized and all customers were back in power by 9:42.

“Even though there was no damage to the line, we want to make sure,” said Steve Gregg, LPEA manager of operations. “If a line remains energized and there is truly something wrong, it could cause significant damage to equipment, resulting in customers being out of power for hours, if not longer. We always will err on the side of safety in this type of situation.”

 # # #