CU explains power network, outage impact with graphic

More than 350 crews continue to work, and CU will provide another outage estimate at 8 p.m.

Though strides have been made in restoring power, some customers have wondered why the process has taken longer for some than it has for others.

CU’s response is a detailed explanation of its energy-restoration process, illustrated in a graphic here.

When the ice storm first hit Jan. 12, utility crews were dispatched to 41 substation areas in CU’s system. Crews then checked the 155 circuit feeders – 136 of which were affected by the storm – to check the distribution of power to neighborhoods.

When workers are finished with feeder circuits, they’re directed to neighborhood service lines, followed by individual service lines and transformers.

When CU believes an area is cleared and energized, representatives call every customer in the area to ensure that power is restored and to localize any neighborhood or individual problems not previously identified.