Lamar Light and Power: Lightning Caused Power Outage Public Notice

Description: Residents should be aware that future unknown incidents could create infrequent power outages to Southeast Colorado without notice as NERC obligations are met.

Lamar Light and Power: Lightning Caused Power Outage Public Notice

A North America Electric Reliability Council (NERC) contractual obligation between Tri-State Generation & Transmission and Excel Energy confirms that Tri-State and Excel will shed any load without warning due to any electrical transmission voltage collapse caused by a fault or overload conditions. This load includes all southeast Colorado: the City of Lamar and surrounding Lamar Light & Power users, Southeast Colorado Power Association, La Junta, Springfield, and other communities.

The 230 KV Line that feeds all of Southeast Colorado was hit by lightning at about 3:27 p.m. on Monday, July 15, where it tripped off the line, causing the SE Colorado load to be switched to the 115 KV line. With limited capacity, this line could not handle yesterday’s high hot summer load. Concerned about starting a wildfire, Excel Energy refused to close the 230 KV line until it was inspected by their line crews which was expected to take a few hours. Meanwhile, Lamar Light & Power requested that the Town of Holly start their generation, and LLP energized its capacitor banks. That is how LLP was able to restore north Lamar customers including Wiley, McClave, Bristol and Hartman. At about 7:35 p.m. Monday evening, the 230 KV line was re-energized and everything returned to normal.

Residents should be aware that future unknown incidents could create infrequent power outages to Southeast Colorado without notice as NERC obligations are met.

For additional information, contact Lamar Light & Power at (719) 336.7456.

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