Planned Overnight Power Outage Scheduled

Thursday, October 11, 11:30 p.m. – Friday, October, 5:30 a.m.

— from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO —

Much of Orcas Island will be affected by a planned power outage in order to complete the Orcas Road project and connect the new transmission poles to OPALCO’s system. The affected areas include Swan Road north to Eastsound Village, Dolphin Bay, North Beach, Buck Mountain, Highlands, Rosario, Olga, and Blakely. The outage will occur overnight to minimize impact to OPALCO consumers and businesses.

This outage will begin at 11:30 pm on Thursday, October 11 and is scheduled to last up to six hours. Power is expected to be restored by 5:30 a.m.

OPALCO consumers should turn sensitive equipment off at the power strip or unplug. In the morning, turn equipment on gradually to aid in power load pick up. OPALCO members are responsible for their own equipment. Members are encouraged to install surge protection to safeguard electronic, computer and other sensitive equipment and appliances.

OPALCO’s system is strong and well maintained; its lineworkers are well trained and equipped. Even so, outages will happen and now is a great time to make sure you’re prepared to be comfortable and safe when the power is off. Because the most detailed information, photos and updates on outages are posted on Facebook, Twitter and on OPALCO’s website, we encourage people who don’t have a smart phone to find an “outage buddy” who does, so they can share information and check up on each other.

Check our website for outage checklists and other key information for making sure you are ready this winter at www.opalco.com.

For the latest information about OPALCO, go to: www.opalco.com; sign up for our email newsletter (https://www.opalco.com/about/email-signup/); and follow us on Facebook (Orcas Power & Light Cooperative) and Twitter (@orcaspower). OPALCO is our member-owned cooperative, powering about 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County since 1937.