Credit: Rocky Mountain Power
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah- Rocky Mountain Power is preparing for possible power interruptions due to last week’s ‘brown snow’ event. The utility company reported the February 5th snow, which was mixed with pollutants and dust, coated equipment on major system assets supplying power to customers along the Wasatch Front.
This week, Rocky Mountain Power said there could be more power outages late this week. Outages were expected Thursday night into Friday morning due to rain showers activating left-behind contamination on the electrical network.
Light precipitation causes the accumulation of dust and particles to become conductive, sometimes resulting in arcing and sparking, which can create power interruptions according to Thursday’s news release.
Tiffany Erickson, a spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Power, said in an effort to minimize those interruptions, crews have been power-washing transmission line insulators utilizing a helicopter along the Wasatch Front.
Company officials expect heavier rain and snow expected over the weekend will address remaining contaminated equipment, but still anticipate possible interruptions over the next 24 hours.
Additional crews will also be working through the night to ensure faster response to possible interruptions.