A local utility said in a Facebook post that several members have asked about 3-phase lines and why they are critical to restoring power to residential areas. The utility said all substations are energized and crews are now focused on restoring 3-phase lines.
Three-phase lines are a common method of distributing electrical power. In general terms, they use three alternating currents offset in phase to carry more power more efficiently than single-phase lines and to balance loads across a network.
Restoring 3-phase lines is often a key step after substations are re-energized because those lines feed distribution circuits that supply neighborhoods and larger electrical loads. Utility crews typically inspect and repair the infrastructure sequentially to ensure safety and system stability before reconnecting homes.
The Facebook post included an illustration to show how the system is structured and said the update is intended to help members understand how power flows and what steps are required to bring electricity back to homes. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
