First Winter Snow Storm Results in Power Outages

Sunday, 6 October 2019 14:09

The first winter snow storm has resulted in power outages in the Whitehorse area. ATCO - Yukon Electric released a statement regarding the power outages at approx. 1:39 pm today.

The update below is from ATCO spokes person Jay Massie:

The following is an update on current and ongoing power outages as of midday Sunday October 6, 2019. A separate email will be sent later today that will give the details of the various power outages that started Saturday night and continued in to early Sunday morning.

The cause of all the power outages is the extreme snowfall in Southern Yukon. The wet and heavy snow accumulation leads to snow laden trees coming in contact with the high voltage power system.

ATCO Electric Yukon has had multiple crews in various areas working to restore power in a safe manner over the past 15 hours. They are continuing their work as the weather conditions persist.

On Sunday morning the Whitehorse North area experienced a widespread outage. In total, there were approximately 2500 customers affected by that outage.

The outage began at 10:00 am and included the following areas; Kulan, Crestview, Alaska highway west to Takhini River subdivision, the North Klondike highway (including the Hotsprings road) to Deep Creek subdivision, the Whistlebend subdivision and the Range road area to Mountainview drive.

Power was restored at the following times and areas;

450 customers in Crestview and Kulan subdivisions at 12:02 pm

1000 customers on the North Klondike highway at 12:27 pm

550 customers Whistlebend at 1:03 pm

500 customers on Range road at 1:10 pm

Also on mid Sunday morning, the Southern Lakes area experienced a weather related outage.

The outage began around 10:00 am for approximately 830 customers and included the Alaska Highway south from Carcross Corner to Teslin including the Marsh Lake area. Crews are continuing to clear trees in multiple areas as they work to restore the power.

ATCO - Yukon Electric apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks all the customers that called to report their outage or problem areas of the power system.

It is also of the utmost importance that we ask the public’s assistance in ensuring everyone’s safety in and around the power system. Please stay back 10 meters from any downed power line or any tree that is on the power lines and contact ATCO - Yukon Electric at (867) 633-7000 or 1 (800) 661-0513 to report the issue.

First Winter Snow Storm Results in Power Outages

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