Natoma Flood Update

At Western Cooperative Electric, we know our members expect the lights to come on every time they turn on the switch. However, the flooding in the Natoma area has caused us to proactively disconnect power to portions of our service area for the public safety for our members and first responders. Our goal is to safely restore electrical service to every home and business as quickly as possible, as long as it can be reenergized safely. Here is an update on the status of our system and operations.

The flooding resulted from heavy rains. At this time, we can confirm we do have a power outage that is affecting approximately 60 members. We have disconnected power before water levels reach the electrical meters and could cause the floodwater to become energized. These meters may have to remain off until the affected services can be verified safe.

 The power outage area includes parts of the city of Natoma south of 2nd street. Crews are on the scene. Regarding our substations, none of them have been affected. Residents and businesses in our service area could be without electricity until floodwaters recede.

 At this time, our service area has sustained damage, but our facilities have not sustained any damage. For your safety, please stay away from any downed power lines.

 For the safety of everyone, if you are using a portable electrical generator, do not tie it into your circuit panel. An improperly wired generator can send power into downed lines causing severe injury or death to you, a family member, a neighbor, or one of our repair crews. A generator can only be tied into a circuit panel if a licensed electrician has installed a transfer switch.

 If you are using a whole-home generator, it must have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician to prevent the generator from back feeding into our electrical system.

 Regarding the effect on our facility and operations, we can tell you that we expect it to be minimal. Employees on duty are assisting as needed. We would like to thank all of the first responders and employees who are working long hours as part of the response effort.

 Although we post service updates to social media, we do not monitor social media for reports of outages. All outages must be reported by phone.

 To report an electrical emergency, outage, or a downed power line,  call 1-800-456-6720.