North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

City of Mesa electric system sustains damage; some customers sti

some customers still without power

For release: July 26, 2006
Contact: Stacy Damp
Utilities Public Information Officer
480.644.4844 Tel
480.518.6754 Cell

City of Mesa electric system sustains damage;customers some still without
power

The City of Mesa's electric service area lost at least three poles and
sustained outages on four circuits as a result of last night's storms that
swept through the Valley. Some residents are still without power this
morning after a tree fell and broke a pole and subsequently damaged
underground cable and impacted two transformers. At least one pole was only
temporarily repaired in an effort to restore customers as quickly as
possible.

Approximately 3,000 customers lost power last night around 10 p.m. and
crews worked through the night to restore service. Approximately 150
customers in the area of 2nd Ave. and Mesa Drive are still without service.
Crews hope to restore power to all remaining customers by late this
afternoon.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that we won't have another storm
tonight," said Dan Darms, Senior Electrical Engineer. "Our crews have
worked through the night to restore service to our customers. It would be
difficult for them to keep up this pace for another day or more. After so
many hours on a pole or in the bucket truck, safety becomes an issue for
both the employee and the customers."

Mesa residents can put to use these safety tips to stay safe during an
outage or downed power line:
* Promptly turn off major appliances, such as air conditioners, dishwasher,
television, VCR or DVD player, computer, and water heater. This will help
avoid circuit overloads and can protect sensitive equipment from voltage
fluctuations.
* If stuck in an elevator, remain in place and wait for help.
* If your home is flooded, do not touch appliances with power on.
* Make sure cords are properly insulated.

If you encounter a downed power line:
* Stay at least 100 feet away.
* If the power line has fallen on your car while you are in it, don't touch
anything metal in the car, and stay inside until help arrives.
* Never try to help someone trapped by a power line; you may endanger their
safety as well as your own. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Mesa electric customers needing to report an emergency, such as a power
outage, downed line, or sparking transformer should call (480) 644-2265,
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or (480) 644-2262 after hours
(weekends, nights, and holidays). Customers should not call 911 to report a
power outage. Call your local energy provider instead.

The City has been operating its electric utility since 1917 and currently
serves approximately 15,680 customers in its 5.5 square-mile service area.

For more information on the electric outage or Mesa's electric utility,
please call (480) 644-2265.

-end-

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