The Chelan PUD has reached out specifically to the Lake Wenatchee area concerning anticipated power outages during storm activity the next 24 hours. (see the following article)   The following paragraphs explains a challenge they’ve  been experiencing with recent outages called cold load pick-up. The PUD is also mailing postcards, asking customers to help them restore power faster by easing the electrical load so the grid doesn’t overload.

As we face another winter storm, Chelan PUD wants to remind customers about cold load pick-up. Cold load pick-up is a common obstacle to restoring power after an outage, especially in cold temperatures. When power is restored, electricity rushes to all appliances and electronics left in the “on” position. This causes the system to overload, resulting in another power outage that can take several hours to restore.

Here’s a recent example: On Dec. 28, a tree fell into a power line in the Plain area. There was also line on the ground, reported to Rivercom around 7:30 a.m. By 1 p.m., crews had removed the tree and fixed the line. When they restored power, everyone’s heaters and appliances kicked into high gear trying to bring homes back to normal temperatures. We saw electrical loads 6 to 7 times higher than usual in areas we were trying to restore.

To prevent another overload, crews gradually restored power one neighborhood at a time, until finally at 5:25 p.m., power was restored to the last 40 customers.

A similar issue happened during a tree-related outage at Coles Corner a few weeks ago. An outage that could have been a few hours ended up taking most of the day to restore.

Help us keep the lights on by reducing your home’s energy use as we’re trying to restore power.

When the power goes out:

  • Leave one light on, so you know when the outage has ended
  • Turn off your furnace and all appliances
  • Turn off the circuit breaker to the hot water heater
  • Unplug sensitive electronics

When power is restored:

  • Wait 10 minutes before turning up the heat
  • Try to keep non-heating electrical use to a minimum for the next two hours to allow the electrical system to stabilize

As we head into prime winter storm season, we encourage you be prepared. Check out our cold-weather and outage tips at chelanpud.org/outage.

If the power goes out at your house, call Chelan PUD’s 24-hour outage line at 877-783-8123.