A power outage in Alaska occurred on Monday afternoon, resulting in the loss of electricity for tens of thousands of individuals in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. At 5:30 p.m., maps of power disruptions indicated that up to 45,000 individuals in Anchorage and 24,000 in the Mat-Su region were without electricity. Fortunately, the majority of individuals were able to regain access to their electricity by 7 p.m. Only twelve residences were still anticipating the resumption of service.
According to Chugach Electric and Matanuska Electric Association, two Alaskan power companies, the extensive power outage in Alaska may have been the result of a load-shedding event. Load shedding is a deliberate practice by power companies to prevent the complete loss of power by intentionally disconnecting electricity to specific areas. According to Julie Hasquet, a spokesperson for Chugach Electric, the event may have been precipitated by an issue on the Railbelt. But she did say that the company was still looking into what was really wrong.
Electricity companies say the power went out because of a problem on the transmission line about 10 miles north of the Teeland Substation near Wasilla. Because of this fault, an under-frequency event shut down two Chugach engines and set off the load-shedding system. Both companies said an outside force, such as a fallen tree, might have caused the problem.
Chugach Electric and MEA reported that the power outage in Alaska resulted from a significant load-shedding event triggered by a transmission line issue. Repair personnel quickly restored power to most of the affected customers within a few hours, minimizing the impact of the Alaskan power failure on the town.
This news was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
