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Brooke Walker ReportingWinter weather hit hard this morning and, as a result, hundreds of people were left in the dark. Power outages dotted the Wasatch Front, but the lights weren't out long.
Utah Power was busy the morning, working to restore energy to more than two-thousand people across the state. It wasn't a severe storm, but it took its toll. This afternoon, crews are now working in preparation for the next snowfall.
"In the winter we get the kind of weather that really affects power lines."
Today was definitely an example of that. The white stuff came down pretty hard and from Weber to Utah County, power lines took the hit. In America Fork, many lights went out just after 5 am, but power was restored within two hours.
It was a similar timeline in Salt Lake. A line went down just before 5:00; by 7:00 things were up and running.
Dave Eskelson, Utah Power: "This year, particularly we have seen the benefits of the investment program that started in 2000."
He's referring to an investment program that cashed in at nearly 200 million dollars, money that was used to expand resources, building more power lines and more substations. The funds have also helped meet the demands of existing customers who are using more energy than ever before.
This year, the focus remains primarily on tree trimming. Utah Power is working to establish a regular schedule that will allow crews to address each tree about every three years. The effort continues year-round, but in winter the focus heightens.
Winter winds tend to divert the tree limbs and the heavy snow drops them down closer to the power lines and to potential dangers. Crews are constantly try to keep their eye out for the "trouble trees," but say help is always welcome. If you notice a tree brushing against a power line or any other potentially dangerous situation, you are asked to call Utah Power.
