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John Hollenhorst ReportingScott Thomas, Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club: "We're still without power. We're working on day number five here. And we still don't have power."
One of the longest power outages in Utah history stretched on today as crews scrambled to get homes and businesses back in service. One prominent power customer, the Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club, is still waiting for help from Utah Power.
The troubles began with a huge snow storm the day after Christmas. Now we're almost to New Year's and the power is still out in hundreds of homes and businesses.
There are still more than 60 repair crews in the field. Utah Power says the biggest problems have been cleared up and now they're down to the small, localized outages. Those who wound up last on the list are getting tired of it.
On the fifth day there was a new power outage. A line came down in a driveway. It's the second time Margaret Mulliner has lost power since Christmas.
Margaret Mulliner, South Salt Lake: “I can’t say I’m aggravated, but I wish they’d fix it.”
For some, aggravation has turned to outright boredom.
LaRae Anderson, Salt Lake City: “We’re sitting on the couch at night and watching candles burn down.”
After five days without power, LaRae Anderson decided it was time for lunch and a movie with relatives .
Anderson: “Because i've got cabin fever and I need to get out and see people."
Utah Power says the big outages have been taken care of, and it takes time to clear up the small ones.
Kimball Hansen, Utah Power: “It’s literally individual customers that we’re dealing with in hundreds of locations.”
The power outage probably means 10 to 20,000 dollars in lost revenue and damages at the non-profit Salt Lake Swimming and Tennis Club. Some lights work, most don't. The inflatable tennis bubble collapsed. Temporary workers have been clearing it of snow and water for five days. With most courts unusable, teaching pros are out of business.
Scott Thomas, Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club: "They're losing out on a paycheck. Members can't play. It's pretty frustrating."
It was actually the weight of the snow that brought the bubble down. Because there was no electricity, there wasn't enough heat, which normally melts the snow and allows it to run off. A backup blower system didn't have enough oomph to hold the bubble up so managers deflated it for safety sake. So far, Utah Power hasn't even visited the club.
Scott Thomas, Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club: "They just haven't found us yet. We're isolated and I guess we just don't count. Hah. Hah."
