[ad_1]
As snowstorm recovery unfolds in the Sierra foothills, Pioneer residents grapple with prolonged power outages impacting businesses and homes.
PIONEER, Calif. — As the snowstorm winds down in the Sierra foothills, thousands of customers served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company remain without power.
In Pioneer, some residents say they received text messages estimating restoration by Wednesday, February 25 at 8 p.m., nearly a week after the outage began. For many, that timeline has been tough to hear.
Power outages remain a major issue across the foothills even as conditions improve.
At Young’s Payless Market in Pioneer, manager Dominique Ybarra said the store’s power went out at least two days ago. Since then, the market has been relying on a generator to keep the lights on.
“PG&E has been working pretty hard. They were here earlier, working endless to get our problem back on,” Ybarra said.
Ybarra described the damage around town as widespread.
“Trees down, power lines down.,” Ybarra said.
PG&E said the extent of the damage shows how intense the storm was. Through Wednesday, crews reported 335 miles of power lines damaged, along with 89 poles, 161 transformers and 75 crossarms impacted.
When asked about the nearly weeklong restoration estimate in Pioneer, PG&E said crews were in the field trying to access damaged equipment but had to be pulled off the mountain because of safety concerns.
The company said it is currently in what it calls the “patrol and assess” phase, meaning crews need improved weather and safe access before repairs can begin.
PG&E said customers will receive updated estimates once crews can fully evaluate the damage. The company expects to make progress over the weekend if conditions remain clear.
“It is a longs ways away, but I know PG&E is going to get us going. It is not our first rodeo I guess.” Ybarra said.
PG&E stressed that early restoration times are often based on historical repair data and can change once crews get eyes on the damage. With clearer weather expected, many in Pioneer are hoping the February 25 estimate improves.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | Camino, Pollock Pines communities prepare for extended power outages
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
[ad_2]