Why Do Electrical Outages Happen? A Look Behind the Scenes
During the recent power outage that impacted less than 15% of the community, many residents had a common question: Why do outages happen, and what does Public Works do to respond?
We want to take a moment to help residents understand the process. If it ever feels like your calls aren’t being answered or you’re not hearing back immediately, it’s not because we aren’t listening—it’s because we’re focused on getting your power restored as quickly and safely as possible.
So, why does the power go out?
There are many reasons—some within our control, many not. Common causes include:
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Weather-related issues: High winds, lightning, and ice can damage lines and equipment.
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Animals: Squirrels and birds can cause outages, especially on above-ground lines.
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Equipment failures: Aging infrastructure, blown line fuses, or transformer issues.
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Upstream providers: Sometimes the outage begins with another power agency beyond the City’s control.
While we take proactive steps to reduce these risks—like tree trimming and system inspections—some outages are simply unavoidable.
What happens when the power goes out?
As soon as an outage is reported:
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Public Works mobilizes – Our team (Tommy, Troy, and Chris) immediately suits up in specialized arc-flash-rated gear for their safety: flame-resistant shirts, pants, helmets, and protective eyewear.
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Investigating the cause – Locating the source of an outage can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Using a combination of experience and new diagnostic tools, our crew begins searching for the “what” behind the issue.
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Making repairs – Once the issue is found—whether it’s a blown fuse, damaged transformer, or underground fault—our team works to safely restore power. This can take time depending on the complexity of the repair.
Why can’t I get through by phone?
During the last outage, Public Works received 14 calls simultaneously. While we appreciate these calls and encourage residents to report issues, answering phones can slow down response time. Rest assured, we see the messages, and help is already on the way.
In the meantime, updates will be posted on the City’s Facebook page and website as soon as the City Administrator or City Clerk is available to assist.
We understand how frustrating power outages can be and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work hard behind the scenes to keep the lights on in Winthrop.