Idaho Power winter storm preparation

Southeast Idaho was hit with its first winter storm last weekend. It’s great news for the ski slopes, but Idaho Power is all hands on deck during the winter season. Winter storms affect Idaho for a few months out of the year, but Idaho Power stays prepared all year round.

Dave Spillet, Residential & Commercial Energy Advisor from Idaho Power, says, “The elements can hit us at any point in time. So our crews are out there doing a great job, maintaining the lines and patrolling… making sure everything is in good standings.”

They’re called “line-workers.” And, their job isn’t easy. In fact, it can be extremely dangerous. Many at Idaho Power consider them the unsung heroes of the winter season.

“They’re working in all kinds of weather making sure we get that [power] back on for our customers… If they’re out there and make a mistake, electricity doesn’t care who it is, it’s going to get ya’ … it’s not forgiving.”

Getting to many of these dangerous and remote locations require top of the line equipment. UTV’s, snowmobiles and Snowcats are the vehicles they use to get to some of these rural areas. And, “if that’s not an option, they’re snowshoeing in and packing their avalanche gear.”

Day or night, these workers are always on call.

“If the power goes out at three in the morning, these guys are getting woke up and they’re heading out there to get power back to our customers.”