By By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Washington Electric Utilities has selected two tentative dates for a scheduled power outage. The outage will enable WEU to complete the relocation of electric facilities to provide clearance for the U.S. Highway 17 bypass at Washington.
The first option would shut off power from 11 p.m. May 30, to 5 a.m. May 31. The second option would shut off power from 11 a.m. June 6, to 5 a.m. June 7. The outage will affect the entire WEU system.
Hardt said he will notify WEU customers and the media when the date of the power outage is confirmed.
The tentative dates, which are based on delivery of materials, current contract negotiations and the existing construction schedule, are subject to change, Hardt said.
A difference of opinion concerning the timing of the second power outage developed between WEU and Flatiron/United, the joint venture building the bypass, Hardt said.
The conflict has resulted in the second power outage being scheduled and canceled several times, Hardt said earlier this year.
Since June 28, 2008, WEU has used a temporary transmission line to bring power to its system and all of its 14,000 customers.
A six-hour power outage was required so crews could relocate electric facilities south of the Tar River to provide clearance for construction equipment being used to build the U.S. Highway 17 bypass from Washington to Chocowinity.
The outage will affect the following areas: