Utilities return power to majority of customers left in the dark by windstorm

Avista crews have restored power to about 95% of customers who lost power because of this week’s windstorm.

The utilities company reported that about 3,300 customers across its service territory had electricity as of 10 p.m. Friday.

The windstorm initially caused approximately 61,000 customers to lose power.

Avista has 50 line crews at work, along with 17 contract crews and 16 vegetation management crews who have been chipping away at the restoration efforts over the last couple of days, including through the snow.

“New snowfall poses additional challenges to our restoration efforts,” the release said. “One power pole can take up to eight hours to replace.”

Due to the magnitude of devastation and the recent snowfall, the release said some customers in Colville and the Silver Valley region may not have power back until Sunday.

Most of the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane area were expected to see full power restoration by 10 p.m. on Friday. Power in Saint Maries may not be fully restored until Saturday at 10 p.m.

“Customers should treat all power lines as if they are energized,” the press release said. “Customers should stay away from any downed power lines, not attempt to remove limbs from downed or sagging power lines, and should not drive over power lines. If customers see a downed power line, they should call 911 immediately and then Avista at (800) 227-9187 to report its location.”

Other electric companies also reported progress in restoring power from the storm as of 10 p.m. Friday:

• About 60 Inland Power and Light customers remained without power.

• About 2,200 Northern Lights Inc., customers remained without power.

• Kootenai Electric Cooperative, about 280 customers.

• Pend Oreille Public Utility District, about 300 customers.