How We Restore Power

After a storm causes widespread power outages, Chelan PUD works to restore power quickly and safely to customers. Learn more about our power restoration process:

Step 1

Getting the power back on safely takes planning. During and after a storm, small crews will de-energize downed lines and handle emergencies; others will assess the damage as it can be done safely. Then, with a plan in hand, crews start work on restoring electric service.
 
Graphic of Step 1 for power restoration

Step 2

Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more switchyards. These high-voltage lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by severe wind. One line can serve tens of thousands of people. If one of these lines is damaged, it would get attention first.
 
Graphic of Step 2 for power restoration

Step 3

Chelan County PUD has 36 substations, each can serve up to several thousand homes and businesses. When there is a major outage, the distribution substations are checked to see if it’s a transmission problem getting power to the substation, or a problem at the substation.
Graphic of Step 3 for power restoration

Step 4

Main distribution lines carry power from substations into a central point in a neighborhood. When power is restored on distribution lines, whole neighborhoods and business districts may see the lights come back on as long as there are no problems further down the line.
 
Graphic of Step 4 for power restoration

Step 5

Power lines off main distribution lines carry electricity to utility poles or underground transformers serving one to several homes or businesses. PUD crews move to working on these lines after repairs to the main distribution lines are done and prioritize locations based on getting the largest number of customers back in service.
 
Graphic of Step 5 for power restoration

What's yours, what's ours?

Graphic explaining customer and utility owned electrical equipment

Your home or business has equipment attached to it that we rely on to deliver power. During storms, that equipment or the utility-owned equipment feeding it can be damaged. If you notice damage to your weatherhead or meterbox, please reach out to a licensed electrician for repairs. Our crews will handle repairs on the utility side and work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service. 

*The weatherhead may be attached to a pole on your property. Regardless of where the weatherhead is located, that is where the customer ownership and responsibility begins. If necessary, we can remove our service lines to facilitate repairs. Please call us at 1(877)783-8123 to request assistance.