You should always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Remember to stay away from them. Next, we assess the total damage and plan how we will quickly restore service to the largest number of customers. Transmission lines and distribution substations are top restoration priorities. Transmission lines supply power to large numbers of customers and to large geographic areas.
Distribution substations serve a critical linking and switching function on our system.
If a substation is out of service, a large number of customers can be affected. Repair work that will restore service to essential facilities, such as public service and emergency service agencies, receives a high priority. This includes hospitals, police, fire and rescue, communication facilities and water pumping stations. Our next priority is to get the largest number of customers back on as quickly as possible. Our efforts are concentrated on neighborhoods, businesses, industrial and agricultural facilities.