Power Outage to Affect West Montrose County Residents

Residents and businesses in western Montrose County who are serviced by San Miguel Power should be aware of a planned power outage that will leave many without electricity for several hours.

The outage is scheduled for Wednesday (June 22) from 8 a.m. until Noon and will affect over 1,300 users.

According to San Miguel Power Association (SMPA), the outage is necessary so crews can safely upgrade equipment at the Nucla substation.

About three years ago, a transformer at the substation was struck by lightning leaving businesses and residents serviced by that substation without power for almost a day.

In an effort to get power back on as quickly as possible, crews installed a temporary transformer which has worked but was not intended as a permanent solution.

Now, the power company has a new transformer and the ability to upgrade other circuitry and protective devices during the planned outage which will make the substation significantly more reliable.

These replacements and upgrades are the final phases of the 'West End Reliability Project.'

While the work is scheduled to be finished at noon, it is possible it may be as late as 3 p.m. before power is fully restored. Users who still don't have power by that time are asked to call SMPA at 970-864-7311 or 970-626-5549.