Understanding Spring & Summer Outages
It’s a beautiful, sunny day—clear skies, no wind, no storms in sight. So when the power suddenly goes out, it can feel especially confusing. At PenLight, we often hear, “How can there be an outage when the weather is perfect?”
While winter storms are a common cause of outages, spring and summer bring their own sets of challenges, many of them unrelated to weather.
Tree Growth & Falling Branches
Warmer months bring rapid tree growth. Even without wind, limbs can droop or break onto power lines, especially after rain or in areas with mature trees.
Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents involving utility poles or underground equipment can occur at any time—and are a leading cause of outages year-round, regardless of weather.
Member & Contractor Activities
Spring and summer are prime seasons for outdoor projects. Unfortunately, outages are sometimes caused by well-meaning members or hired contractors performing:
- Tree work near power lines. 51913
- Digging for fences, sprinklers, or landscaping without calling 811.
- Pressure washing or painting near electrical equipment.
- Using heavy machinery near poles or padmount transformers.
These activities can accidentally damage PenLight infrastructure, causing outages or posing serious safety risks. Always call 811 before you dig, and maintain proper clearances from electrical equipment.
Curious Critters
Squirrels, birds, and other small animals are more active in the warmer months, and sometimes explore energized equipment. This can lead to short circuits, damaged gear, and unexpected outages.
What You Can Do
- Call 811 at least 48 hours before digging.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed—or consult a qualified professional.
- Avoid placing anything near padmount transformers.
- Use caution with tools and equipment near electrical lines or boxes.
- Report outages quickly using our outage line 877-853-1388.
Even on the calmest, sunniest days, PenLight crews are working behind the scenes—and in the field—to keep your power supply reliable and safe.