Understanding Outages: Causes, Challenges, and Restoration

A safety message from Director of Operations, Robert Wakehouse

Robert Wakehouse, Director of Operations

At Harrison County REC, we hate it when the power goes out just as much as our members do. When there is an outage, our line crew works hard to resume service as quickly and safely as possible. Many times, the reasons for outages are beyond our control. Here are the main reasons the power goes out:

STORMS — Conditions brought on by storms such as high winds, ice, and lightning can interrupt service. Lightning itself does not impact outages as much as people think, but it can strike trees and cause branches or even whole trees to fall on distribution lines. Lightning can cause a problem, however, if it strikes substation equipment, such as a large transformer.

TREES AND VEGETATION – Branches, limbs, or trunks can fall on lines and vegetation (such as vines) can grow around poles, lines or other equipment. Ice and wind can make matters worse. This is why we work so hard to keep power lines and equipment clear with vegetation management.

ANIMALS — Many outages are caused by our furry friend the squirrel. They love to chew on the weatherproof coating around lines. Other critters like birds or racoons can interfere with service too. We also make an effort to protect wildlife by utilizing “bird guards” or cages, around our overhead equipment to prevent the animal accidentally causing an outage. A bird on a wire is harmless and safe for the bird as long as it touches the line and nothing else.

ACCIDENTS — Cars, trucks, and farm equipment that have a run-in with a utility pole can

cause an outage. This is also why we encourage local growers to look up and look out during planting and harvest. We also encourage parents with young teens to promote safe driving and what to do if their young drivers get into an accident with a utility poles.

PUBLIC DAMAGE — Unsafe digging, equipment or line damage, vandalism or theft can all cause interruptions in the energy chain. Harrison County REC always encourages members to “Call Before you Dig” by dialing 811 or by visiting Iowa One Call’s website at www.IowaOneCall.com to request locates online.

EQUIPMENT issues — We maintain and inspect all of our lines and equipment regularly; however, sometimes equipment malfunctions. We strive to address any problem as soon as it happens.

Our team is always here to answer any questions that you may have about outages at 712.647.2727. You can also visit SafeElectricity.org for more electrical safety tips and tricks.