WEATHER

Rocky Mountain Power: Dry weather has adverse impact on utility lines

Feb 10, 2021, 1:54 PM | Updated: 4:30 pm

power outage, dry weather affects power lines...

FILE: Photo: Strong wind has caused power outages around the state. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Officials with Rocky Mountain Power say dry weather is taking a toll on utility lines across the region. 

According to spokesperson Tiffany Erickson, during dry conditions, particles from pollution, dirt and salt tend to accumulate on power lines and other equipment. 

“What we’re seeing, we’re not getting enough of a decent rain to wash that off or a decent snow. We’re getting just enough, it’s been light enough, that it wets things down,” but doesn’t have a cleaning effect, Erickson said. 

Wednesday morning, the problems posed by dry weather resulted in around 7,500 Rocky Mountain Power customers losing electricity near Magna. The company worked quickly to restore power. By late afternoon, all customers had power restored. 

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Rocky Mountain Power: Dry weather has adverse impact on utility lines