The following is a letter I received on Saturday, August 7, 2004.
August 6, 2004
Mr. Dennis Betz
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RE: Account No.
Dear Mr. Betz:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concern about recent power interruptions.
We understand power interruptions are frustrating and inconvenient to our customers. I've researched our power interruption logs and compiled the enclosed list in response to your inquiry.
SRP places a high priority on power reliability, and we have many practices in place to help us provide reliable electric service. Unfortunately, power companies cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or eliminate power fluctuations or voltage disturbances. And, while we utilize state of the art technology and follow industry standards for maintaining our generation, transmission, and distribution systems, equipment failures cannot be avoided. Things like adverse weather conditions, construction in the area, accidents involving our equipment, and even animals in our equipment cannot be avoided.
Because we strive to provide a continuous power supply, representatives are on call 24 hours a day to respond during power interruptions. In the event of a future interruption, you can call us at (602) 236-8811.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused to you during the recent power interruptions.
Sincerely,
Shauna Marrero (signed)
Shauna Marrero
Enclosure
Customer Name: Mr. Betz Account No: xxxxxxxxxxx Service Address: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Power Interruption Log
July 29, 2004
DATE TIME (duration) REASON July 29, 2004 12:14 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Loss of 69kv lines as substation. No reason found.
Points of Clarification
Duration of Interruption: The actual duration logged for each interruption may be different than what you experienced. The time noted reflects when we were aware of the interruption, until power was completely restored to the area. Our system is designed so that most areas can be switched to a neighboring circut during an interruption (if the interruption does not involve that circut as well).
Momentary Interruptions: The industry standard is to list interruptions of 5 minutes or less as momentary. In addition, if the power "flickers" several times within a few seconds, it is logged as on interruption, and these often occur within the 5 minute time frame.
Unknown Reason: Often a circut breaker (at the substation) will relay (trip) and SRP can reset it from our distribution operations center without sending a troubleshooter to the site. If the breaker doesn't open again, we won't know what caused the interruption. There can be a circuit overload, a tree limb and brushed a line, two overhead lines slapping together due to wind, or a bird or other animal in some equipment. Even if a troublshooter is sent to patrol the circuit, these causes can correct themselves before the troubleshooter arrives.