For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Power poles, wires receive safety, reliability upgrades

Eugene Water & Electric Board crews are nearing the half-way point in a multi-year project aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of the utility's electric wires, poles and other parts of the electric distribution system.

Since 2003, EWEB has been working to make necessary upgrades and improvements that will increase safety, reduce electric outages and improve reliability of the electric distribution system. Inspectors and workers have been moving through the entire city, inspecting nearly 24,000 power poles and making any repairs or maintenance upgrades that are identified.

Inspectors and maintenance crews currently are moving into some of the more densely populated areas of central Eugene. Residents may see utility workers in their neighborhood more frequently, working on or near their property but within designated easements. The work may require multiple visits to the same location.

EWEB's work should be completed sometime in 2008.

The work grew out of an agreement EWEB signed in 2003 with the Oregon Public Utilities Commission, in which EWEB agreed to inspect its electric distribution system and fix any National Electric Safety Code problems that are identified. Most other utilities in Oregon are doing similar work as part of a statewide effort by the PUC to address safety issues.

Over the past year, EWEB has expanded the original scope of its work to go beyond correcting safety hazards. Crews also are doing maintenance work and electric system improvements at the same time as the safety upgrades, such as replacing worn out cross arms and poles. Most of this maintenance work is being financed by a May 2004 electric rate increase aimed primarily at improving reliability of the electric system.

EWEB customers who have further questions should call Greg Gardner, EWEB's electric operations supervisor, at 484-2411 during regular business hours.