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 Seattle City Light
News Release |
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| Subject:
City Light reminds customers to be prepared for possible storm-related power outages |
For Immediate Release:
11/23/2005 12:00:00 PM |
For More Information Contact:
Scott Thomsen (206) 386-4233
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CITY LIGHT REMINDS CUSTOMERS TO BE PREPARED
FOR POSSIBLE STORM-RELATED POWER OUTAGES
SEATTLE- Weather experts are forecasting highly variable weather patterns this winter that could produce significant storms in the region.
Seattle City Light is preparing equipment, stockpiling supplies and expecting the unexpected - and suggests that it's customers do the same.
"When storms cause outages, our crews work round the clock in difficult conditions to restore power," said City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco. "We're proud of our reliability, but big storms can overwhelm the best of systems. Customers can help themselves by preparing at home this winter."
Here are some winter preparation tips from City Light:
- Have a power outage kit on hand that includes a flashlight with fresh batteries, lantern, matches, wind-up clock, portable radio, manual can opener and mylar blanket.
- Know how to manually override your electric garage door, security door or gates.
- Have a telephone that works without electricity - cordless phones will not work.
- Unplug electrical appliances when the power goes out to prevent fires and equipment damage during prolonged outages. Leave one or two lights on to let you know when service is restored.
- If the power goes out, call the Power Outage Hotline at (206) 684-7400 for a recording of all known outages. If your area is not mentioned, stay on the line and leave your name, address and phone number and describe any unusual circumstances that may help City Light identify the source of the problem.
- Use flashlights for illumination. Avoid candles and open flames.
More tips can be found in City Lights "Power Outages and Electrical Safety Tips" brochure, available at libraries, community centers and City Light service centers. Outage information is also available online at http://www.seattle.gov/light/neighborhoods/nh4_outs.htm
The Northwest Power Planning Council says that likelihood of a power shortage this winter arising from inadequacies in the power supply is less than 1%.
"The region has a good power supply, and City Light has been very careful to save water at Ross Reservoir, our main storage facility," Carrasco said. "But wholesale electricity will be expensive this winter, mainly because of higher natural gas prices. The Power Planning Council and City Light recommend that we all conserve as much as possible to keep costs down and limit potential future rate increases."
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Customer Service
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Call (206) 684-3000
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