[HollyMutual-Announce] Electrical outages (not everyone affected)

[Mark Derbyshire]

This is NOT a Holly Mutual issue, but it does affect 1/3 of our 
members, and I was asked to write a note to address it. If this issue 
does not pertain to you, please ignore this message. If any of us move 
forward in some manner, I will endeavor to set up another email list 
for future communications.

About 16 of the Holly Mutual members (out of 48) are on a power line 
that starts on Holly St just north of Piedmont and heads east until it 
reaches the city limits. Over the past couple of weeks or so, all of 
these houses have experienced four extended power outages, two of which 
lasted in excess of 8 hours. It is not clear whether there is any 
common factor that caused this, or whether it is symptomatic of a 
deteriorating infrastructure. Regardless, Xcel Energy does not appear 
to have the situation under control.

Unfortunately this power branch has never been particularly reliable, 
at least for as long as we have lived here (24 years). In fact within a 
few days of moving in, this branch and perhaps others experienced a 
power failure that lasted nearly a week during sub-freezing weather 
conditions. Some years we survive without significant interruptions, 
but that is hardly typical. A few of us have some form of emergency 
backup generators, but in this day and age that should not be a 
necessity.

If this neighborhood wishes to pursue some avenue beyond merely hoping 
Xcel Energy solves the problems on their own, I can set up a new email 
list where we can communicate and exchange ideas and plans. If you 
would be interested in this, please send an email to me (mark at taom.com) 
and I will at the minimum help with the organizational aspects.

Cheers,
Mark