UPDATE APRIL 2, 2024, 7:45 AM:
HEA crews worked diligently through the night. They continue to make significant progress, but there are still 82 members without power.
HEA also is aware of the extensive damage, including hundreds of reports of trees on the lines. Please know that addressing these repairs is on HEA’s agenda, but there immediate focus remains to restore power to all members as quickly and safely as possible.
HEA is committed to getting everyone back online and will tackle the tree damage promptly once all power is restored. Your understanding and patience during this challenging time are greatly appreciated.
UPDATE 3:30 PM:
Since this morning, HEA has restored power to just over 450 members. K-Beach and Sterling continue to be the most affected. Crews remain in the field, working to restore power to all members.
UPDATE 10:59 AM:
HEA crews have made great progress this morning. They continue to work around the clock to restore service to approximately 900 members affected by this weekend’s major windstorm. Nearly all outages from the weekend result from the high winds blowing dead or dying “beetle kill” trees from outside of the powerline corridors into the lines.
Today, crews remain focused on restoring power to primary circuits or those with the largest number of members. Crews are currently working along K-Beach Road, Sterling, and Soldotna. As these circuits are repaired, crews will focus on the secondary circuits with fewer members and then on the individual service lines.
HEA’s biggest challenge over the weekend was trying to keep up with the windstorm since high winds were sustained over many hours. As crews restored service in some locations, power was going down in many others, so it was difficult for crews to make significant headway until the winds began dying down Sunday afternoon.
HEA apologizes for the inconvenience of these extended outages over the Easter weekend. Please know our crews will continue working until all members have restored power.
Update 4/1/2024 as of 5:12 AM:
HEA crews have worked throughout the night, successfully restoring electricity to approximately 900 members. Despite their efforts, they currently face 100 separate outages, impacting 1,900 members across the broad area.
The challenges in repairing these outages are significant, with many sites experiencing significant damage, requiring substantial time and resources to address.
In response to the situation’s urgency, they’ve arranged for an additional contract crew to join them this morning, aiming to expedite the repair process.
HEA recognizes the inconvenience and discomfort experienced by many, especially those who have been without power for more than 24 hours. They are committed to restoring your service as swiftly and safely as possible.
For current outage information, please view https://outage.homerelectric.com/
UPDATE 8:22 PM:
The relentless winds are finally calming down, which is allowing HEA crews to kick restoration efforts into gear.
HEA crews have been working tirelessly to restore power and, as of now, progress is being made.
They understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by these outages. While they are trying to restore service as quickly as possible, members in outlying areas may still experience extended outages through tomorrow night.
HEA is closely monitoring the situation and will provide continued updates.
Please know that our priority is the safety and well-being of our community, and they are doing everything within our power to restore service. Thank you for your patience and a huge thank you to the HEA crews!
UPDATE 3:58 PM:
Repairs on the Sterling Highway and Arc Loop are now finished. Ongoing strong winds and fallen trees continue to cause outages across the north end of the HEA system.
Currently, around 3,600 members are affected by approximately 160 separate outages.
Crews are diligently working to restore power, but as one area gets power back, another faces an outage.
They’re hoping for a decrease in wind intensity soon. HEA appreciates everyone’s patience during the past 24 hours.
UPDATE-1:21 p.m.
According to Homer Electric Association, the Sterling Highway will experience a temporary closure at Arc Loop to allow crews to rehang a line safely.
State troopers are present and will assist in managing traffic.
If you are without power at this time, please call 1-888-868-8243.
UPDATE-12:00 p.m.
As of 12:00 p.m. this Easter afternoon, Homer Electric Association has reported a total of 4,168 members in K-Beach, Ridgeway, Sterling, Funny River, Nikiski, Salamatof, Kenai, Soldotna, Kasilof, and Cohoe areas without power.
According to an update from HEA, the outages continue to grow due to sustained high winds. The outages are all caused by trees outside the right-of-way corridor. HEA has also received several reports of downed lines. HEA reminds all: do not approach these downed lines as they may still be live.
Four crews are in the field, with two contract crews on their way to assist in the restoration.
Homer Electric Association appreciates the community’s patience and has crews working as quickly and as safely as they can to restore power.
Once again, if you are without power now, please call 1-888-868-8243.
Original Post
Due to strong winds, Homer Electric Association is responding to close to 83 separate power outages affecting over 3,586 members in the K-Beach, Ridgeway, Sterling, Funny River, Nikiski, Salamatof, Kenai, Soldotna, Kasilof, and Cohoe areas.
HEA has called in contract crews to begin assisting in restoration.
Crews have worked through the night and will continue to restore power Sunday. While there is no timeline for restoring the power, HEA says they appreciate your patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible. Progress on these outages will be slow until the wind decreases.
If you are without power at this time, please call 1-888-868-8243.
