Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Report Given On City Electric Disturbances

Prescott City Council members reviewed a letter from Pettit and Pettit Consulting Engineers on power line disturbances.

Lonnie L. Buie, from Pettit and Pettit, visited with Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor, council member Dick Bright, City Manager Larry Stockton and Prescott Water and Light Superintendent Larry Jones to discuss the disturbances.

These disturbances are being blamed on squirrels and birds that climb onto Prescott Water and Light facilities and short-circuit the lines and equipment.

Buie's letter noted the shortages do not occur during heavy loading conditions, which excludes functions of the city's electrical load system.

In addition, Buie reported the disturbances were not the result of heavy equipment being turned on by any Prescott Water and Light's customers.

Buie did note the squirrels and birds caused more problems on Saturdays and Sunday than at any other times, but had no explanation why the animals waited until the weekends before disrupting power to city residents.

Buie suggested city employees install squirrel and bird guards at all locations where outages are caused by squirrels and birds, maintenance tests on the substation reclosers and all pole mounted reclosers, and an examination of time-current characteristics of the reclosers to be sure the 6K fuses are blowing first.

Council members approved an incomplete ordinance for buying electricity from Entergy at a discounted rate.

It is expected the council will adjust rates in July to be effective in August.

A resolution approving an ISTEA grant from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department was approved by the council.

The grant will pay 80% of the costs on the industrial park frontage road and entrance. The city will be responsible for the remaining 20%.