**Edited 11/10/15 to reflect updated information**
The Okanogan County Public Utility District (PUD) has scheduled two power outages — one during the day — on Nov. 11 and 12 to replace power poles damaged by the August wildfires. The outages will affect the Methow Valley from Carlton to Mazama, including customers of the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative.
The outages will also affect the corridor over the Loup, including the Loup Loup ski area and Pleasant Valley and Malott on the east side of the summit.
There will be an eight-hour daytime power outage on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 6 a.m. Wednesday morning until approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. For customers of the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, the outage will extend from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to allow the co-op some extra time for testing unique to their system.
There will be an additional five-hour nighttime power outage from 11 p.m. Thursday night on Nov. 12 until approximately 4 a.m. Friday morning on Nov. 13.
The PUD has to make some of the repairs during the day so that they can be done safely, according to General Manager John Grubich.
The utility made emergency repairs to 280 power poles damaged by the Okanogan Complex Fire but some — including six on the Loup — are so badly damaged that the poles must be replaced before snowfall because they pose a threat to life and property, said Grubich.
The PUD will attempt to switch customers to alternate substations where possible but says people should prepare to be without electricity.
PUD officials remind anyone who uses medical equipment that requires electrical power or who has other special needs to make adequate preparations.
For more information, call (509) 442-3310.
