Back to Blog

San Juan Island Planned Power Outage Overnight 03/26

Starting Wednesday, March 26 @ 11:00 pm until 5 am on March 27

All of San Juan Island will be affected by a planned power outage necessary for the OPALCO crew to energize newly relocated transmission lines.  This power outage will be during the night to minimize impact to OPALCO consumers.

The outage will begin at approximately 11:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26 and power is expected to be restored on March 27 no later than 5 am. During this time, OPALCO crews will do the necessary work to energize the new power lines on Pear Point Road.

San Juan County has a recovery strategy for protection of salmon populations which includes the Jackson Beach Restoration Project. As part of the plan, OPALCO is moving the transmission poles off Jackson Beach on San Juan Island. These critical high voltage transmission lines carry power to all of San Juan Island. Later this year, the poles will be removed from the beach.

OPALCO consumers should set a reminder for Wednesday night on March 26. Turn sensitive equipment off at the power strip or unplug. In the morning, turn equipment on gradually to aid in power load pick up. OPALCO members are responsible for their own equipment and encouraged to install surge protection to safeguard electronic, computer and other sensitive appliances.

OPALCO’s system is strong and its line crews skillful and ready – however, outages happen, and islanders must be prepared. Now is a great time to check your outage preparation including your kit of the things you need to keep you comfortable during power outages and test your battery or generator backup. Check our website for outage checklists and other key information for making sure you are ready at www.opalco.com/outages-safety/preparation/.

You may also like...

Chart of OPALCO's fixed costs

Quick Fact: Cost of Service

Your power bill = the cost to deliver power Co-ops operate as a cost of service organization. The money OPALCO collects in bills goes primarily toward the cost of power, … Read more
OPALCO logo on scenic powerline background

Consider Running for the OPALCO Board

Your not-for-profit cooperative needs you! Are you feeling the itch to get involved in your community and be a local change-maker? The Orcas Power & Light Cooperative Board of Directors … Read more
O2 tidal generator in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.

Tidal Energy in the Salish Sea

Project on hold awaiting Department of Energy Funding The Orcas Power & Light Cooperative team recently wrapped up phase one of the Rosario Strait Tidal Energy Pilot Project draft license … Read more