A previously scheduled power outage in Helper has been rescheduled from Thursday, Jan. 2, to Monday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Helper City Mayor Lenise Peterman joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss the change and the purpose of the outage.

“It’s going to impact from Roosevelt Street – East, so all of our main street businesses, as well as residents will be impacted,” explained the Mayor. “ I’m hoping it stays warm enough for six hours, but we need to plan accordingly to make sure our citizens are safe while we’re doing this pole line change. So if you are aware of anyone on oxygen, let them know.”

Peterman then explained the purpose behind the pole replacement,” our electrical grid is wholly owned by the city, and unfortunately is antiquated. The infrastructure is something I’ve been striving to address for years now, and we simply have some poles that are in terrible shape. Rocky Mountain Power is proactively helping us address those and replace them. So better to have a scheduled outage than an unexpected outage. So it’s to improve the health of the electrical grid and Helper.”

The mayor also explained her perspective on the matter,” I would much rather plan for and allow people to plan versus having a significant outage in a situation where no one is ready for that.”

In closing, Peterman stated,” Be safe and have a happy New Year and be aware that this change has moved to Monday, Jan. 6.”

For more information and updates regarding the outage, you can view the Helper City Public Works page on Facebook.