— from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO —

OPALCO contractors will replace the poles and install larger power lines along Crescent Beach Road on Orcas Island in order to increase system capacity. This project is one of the legs of improvement that will allow OPALCO to reroute power from the new power feed on Decatur Island all the way into Eastsound during power outages.

Work begins the week of October 29th and will continue through November. Expect lane closures and flagger-controlled traffic delays of up to 15 minutes on this route during weekday daylight hours. Whenever possible, use the Mt. Baker Road alternative route.

There may be some small, local outages during this project, but no large outages. However, outages do happen. Now is a great time to make sure you’re prepared to be comfortable and safe when the power is off. The most detailed information, photos and updates on outages are posted on Facebook, Twitter and on OPALCO’s website.

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

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.