Chelan PUD Bracing for Outages with Friday Weather Pattern

Chelan PUD is bracing for more outages after restoring more than 1,400 customers who lost power during Thursday morning's winter storm.

Spokesperson Rachel Hansen says Friday's warmer weather could bring challenges.

"We've got an eye on the weather, so we're monitoring any incoming ice or rain that might make this snow heavier," said Hansen. "We are concerned about any trees in the line, or branches in the line under the weight of the snow."

Chelan PUD is asking customers who experience an outage to call their toll free number - 877-783-8123.

The utility is also in the process of developing an outage map, similar to what large regulated power companies have provided to customers for years.

"We are testing an outage map right now, and we plan to make that live around March," Hansen said. "We are testing that technology, and we plan to roll that out in early spring/late winter." 

The PUD serves about 50,000 customers in Chelan County.

The utility has tips to help prepare any power outage during winter storms:

• Charge all cell phones, reusable batteries, laptops and other devices.
• Gather extra water, non-perishable food, flashlights and other emergency supplies.
• Prepare an alternative plan for power-dependent medical devices and medicines that require refrigeration. Sign up for Chelan PUD’s Medical Electrical Needs Registry.