BPA crews brave Arctic conditions to restore power in the South Region

Following the ice storm that has battered the Pacific Northwest, BPA Transmission Field crews from Eugene, Longview, Redmond, Salem and The Dalles have been working to safely repair high-voltage power lines and equipment damaged by the recent winter weather in the South Region. BPA has brought in crews from Olympia and Wenatchee districts to provide additional assistance to repair damaged lines and equipment.

“I am proud of the team’s efforts,” said John Lahti, vice president for Transmission Field Services. “Everyone's focus on safety, while tackling the restoration during this response, demonstrates that together, we keep the lights on.”  

“All I can say is ‘wow,’” said Ricky Bustamante, acting vice president of Transmission System Operations.  “I am astonished at the incredible coordination, communication, teamwork and drive to restore service to our customers while preserving reliability and keeping safety as a core value. I'm honored to work with such an incredible team of dedicated public servants.”

“I want to recognize the heroic efforts of the team braving the elements to safely restore power to the region,” said Richard Shaheen, senior vice president of Transmission Services. “They’ve been working around the clock in some unforgiving weather and deserve praise for their preparedness, coordination and dedication.”

A regional response team comprised of staff from Transmission (TF, TO, TE, TS), safety, continuity, weather and communications continue work to bring power back to the region.