Phoenix and Scottsdale Experience Power Outages Amid Record-High Temperatures

On one of the hottest days of the year, hundreds of residents in Phoenix and Scottsdale were affected by power outages as the region grappled with extreme heat. On Wednesday, approximately 350 customers lost power according to Arizona Public Service (APS).

Details of the Outages

Over 200 customers in Scottsdale faced disruptions due to a blown fuse near Hayden Road and Shea Boulevard. By 7:45 p.m., APS reported that the outage caused by the blown fuse had been repaired, restoring power to the affected customers in that area.

A separate incident occurred when a car crashed into a power pole near 7th Avenue north of Dunlap Avenue, leading to approximately 150 customers losing power. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this car crash. Shortly after the incidents, by 10:45 p.m., the number of customers without power had decreased to about 30.

Initially, APS had estimated that power would be restored by 10:30 p.m. However, the estimated restoration time was later pushed back to midnight.

Record Temperatures Recorded

The power outages coincided with record-breaking temperatures in the Valley. The National Weather Service reported that Phoenix reached a high of 116ºF on Wednesday, setting a new daily heat record.

Additional Outages and Cooling Resources

On Thursday morning, both APS and Salt River Project (SRP) reported separate, isolated power outages across the Valley. To assist residents during the extreme heat, resources for cooling centers are available for those in need.

Background Context

As the summer heat intensifies, power demand often spikes, leading to outages, especially during peak temperature periods. Outages can cause significant inconvenience and potential safety hazards in extreme weather conditions, prompting utilities to respond swiftly. The incidents in Phoenix and Scottsdale underline the challenges faced by electric service providers in maintaining reliable service during high-demand periods.