Megaload-related power outages expected to be brief - Independent Record
Megaload-related power outages expected to be brief
A massive steam boiler headed to Canada is forcing NorthWestern Energy to temporarily de-energize power lines along the route as a safety precaution.
The utility company warned customers in a Tuesday news release that temporary power outages were planned for Helena, East Helena, Toston, Townsend, Winston and Wolf Creek overnight from Dec. 7-8, 10-11, 11-12 and 12-13.
A Montana Department of Transportation camera caught this image of the mega load moving through Montana en route to Canada Wednesday atop Norris Hill on U.S. Highway 287. The convoy will camp there for the night and is expected to reach Cardwell by Thursday morning.
Montana Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lori Ryan said the majority of the outages will affect street lights and any additional outages deemed necessary would last "no more than 15 minutes."
The Alberta-bound boiler weighs in at about 360,000 pounds and stands more than 22-feet tall while loaded.
A Scappoose, Oregon, company called OXBO Mega Transport Solutions is tasked with transporting the mega load from Vancouver, Washington, over the northern border. It was manufactured overseas.
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OXBO Vice President of Operations Andrew Hulings said Wednesday the convoy expects to roll through the Helena area overnight between Sunday and Monday, depending on weather conditions.
"Our goal is to do this while people aren't out and about," Hulings said.
He said he was also told power outages would be short and mostly relegated to street lights.
NWE customers are encouraged to ensure their correct phone numbers are included in their account information to receive automated messages about any forthcoming outages. The messages will include a time window for the outage.
The megaload is expected to arrive at its destination by the end of the month.
NWE also offers information on power outage safety, including emergency resources and advice for those on life-support devices on its website at https://www.northwesternenergy.com/safety/outage-safety.
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