Power companies in the Inland Northwest, such as Avista Utilities and Inland Power, prepare for severe thunderstorm outages by strategically positioning line crews, securing backup equipment, and utilizing AI weather forecasting models. During outages, they prioritize restoring power to critical infrastructure, including hospitals and emergency facilities, before addressing neighborhood distribution lines.
How Utilities Prepare.
- Pre-Staging Resources: Utility companies bring in extra contract crews and position line workers and materials (poles, transformers, wire) in high-risk areas ahead of predicted storms.
- redictive Technology: They use AI and meteorological software to analyze historical storm data to predict which circuits and regions are most likely to sustain damage.
- Critical Facility Triage: Restoration always follows a specific triage plan:
- Transmission lines and major substations.
- Essential public safety services (hospitals, water treatment, emergency services centers).
- Feeder lines serving the largest number of customers.
- Local, neighborhood, and individual household outages.
How to Report an Outage.
If you lose power, use these specific methods to notify your provider and check restoration times:
- Avista Utilities: Report online via the Avista Outage Center, use the Avista mobile app, or call (800) 227-9187. You can also text “OUT” to 284-782 if your mobile number is registered to your account.
- Inland Power and Light: Report outages using the Inland Power Member Portal or call their 24/7 dispatch at (800) 823-7060.
- General Safety: Always assume downed power lines are energized. Call emergency services and your utility provider immediately to report downed wires.
Storm Preparation Checklist.
To ensure your safety and readiness before a severe storm hits:
- Protect Equipment: Unplug computers and sensitive electronic equipment to prevent damage from power surges.
- Generator Safety: Never plug portable generators directly into a home’s wall outlet (back-feeding) as it can electrocute line workers. Run generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
- Check Service Equipment: If a tree damages the electrical service mast (the pipe on your roof where power lines connect to your home), a licensed electrician must repair it before the power company can safely restore your electricity. You can find local certified professionals via the Avista Dealer Search.
