liberty utilities
Power restored for North Lake Tahoe affected by downed lines
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/23/2016 - 12:30pm
Update: Power lines back up and electricity was restored at 2:48 p.m. for the North Lake Tahoe customers affected by Wednesdays outage.
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Approximately 123 Liberty Utilities customers in the North Lake Tahoe area are experiencing an outage due to downed power line across Hwy 89 near Cabin Creek Road.
At this time there is no estimated time of restored power.
Power restored to Spring Creek area after Emerald Fire - expect more outages
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/28/2016 - 9:41pm
Liberty Utilities restored power yesterday to the 131 Spring Creek residents in South Lake Tahoe who had been without power since the October 14 Emerald Fire. The utility company had originally thought they wouldn't be able to get the power back on until November 4.
South Lake Tahoe council candidates share their views on sustainability and climate issues
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/18/2016 - 10:19pm
The South Lake Tahoe chapter of the Citizen's Climate Lobby recently asked all ten of the candidates their views on climate change, green buildings and our carbon footprint and how they can make a change if elected.
The Citizen's Climate Lobby is an organization focused on national policies to address climate change, and the South Lake Tahoe chapter is one of 354 in the United States and abroad.
Patricia Sussman of the local chapter said just five of the candidates responded to their questions.
Emerald Fire now 100% contained, road remains closed for cleanup
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/17/2016 - 8:22am
The Emerald Fire is 100 percent contained after burning 176 acres along Highway 89 near South Lake Tahoe.
Debris from the weekend's high winds and torrential rains near the burn area continue to impact the roadway and Highway 89 remains closed until Caltrans completes cleanup. It is closed from Fallen Leaf Lake to Emerald Bay North Gate.
According to Liberty Utilities, all customers have had power restored.
The following areas will be open to residents only:
Evacuation orders lifted in Emerald Fire area, Highway 89 remains closed
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/16/2016 - 2:26pm
3:15 p.m. update from Liberty Utilities: At this time, Liberty Utilities has restored power to most of their South Lake Tahoe customers who were affected by the Emerald Fire. Crews continue to coordinate with emergency responders to re-energize power lines deemed safe to do so given forecasted weather and fire danger.
While power has been restored in most of the evacuated areas, multiple downed power poles and lines in the Spring Creek area still pose a danger and service to that area may not be restored until as late as Tuesday, 10/18, depending up officials' assessment of conditions.
Reminder: Annual Firefest venue and activities have changed!
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/19/2016 - 12:06pm
Due to a venue conflict, the 2016 FireFest will be held at Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public.
2,000 customers affected by early morning power outage in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/13/2016 - 1:31pm
At 8:23 a.m. Tuesday morning, 2,000 customers of Liberty Utilities in the Al Tahoe area of South Lake Tahoe lost power due to a circuit issue. Trouble shooting crews went out to investigate, rebooted the system and all power was restored by 9:17 a.m.
Some El Dorado County Court cases were postponed, but court resumed as soon as power was restored and the rest of the court day was uneventful. Neighboring buildings experienced much of the same.
This outage serves as a reminder that all residents can use from their smart phones if they have no power, or from their home computers.
LTUSD gets large rebate check from Liberty Utilities
Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/12/2016 - 8:06pm
Lake Tahoe Unified School District recently received an energy efficiency rebate check from Liberty Utilities in the amount of $5,054.10, the largest given out this year.
“We’re always happy to reward customers with a rebate whenever they install energy efficient measures that reduce their electric use, especially when it’s a public entity like a school,” stated Randy Kelly, Liberty Utilities’ Operations Manager.
Power restored to the 2,311 customers affected by outage on the South Shore
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/09/2016 - 7:43am
12:30 p.m. update: As of 12:00 p.m., all power has been restored to Liberty Utilities customers in South Lake Tahoe.
The driver of a Ford Explorer crashed into an electric pole near the corner of Pioneer Trail and Al Tahoe at approximately 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The unidentified driver was extricated from his vehicle and flown to Renown Medican Center in Reno according to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
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Power lines being moved underground on Pioneer Trail, expect some delays
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 5:13pm
Work along Pioneer Trail will continue through mid-October to move power lines underground from Black Bart Court to just south of Golden Bear Trail.
A contractor for Liberty Utilities has already started on the project which could result in traffic delays.
Approximately 5,800 feet of overhead power lines (as well as communication lines owned by AT&T and Charter Communications) are being relocated underground. The work is expected to continue through mid-October this year, and will be completed next year during the allowed construction time period of May-October.
Early morning fire at South Lake Tahoe home
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 11:20am
5:30 p.m. update 6/27: A call went into South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue at 6:47 a.m. Monday, June 27 of a home on fire on Kubel Avenue. When personnel arrived, they saw flames from the roof and shed at the rear of the property.
Not too late to participate in Tahoe Bike Challenge; Celebration June 18
Submitted by paula on Sat, 06/11/2016 - 10:09am
Event Date:
June 18, 2016 - 12:00pm
For two weeks every year, Lake Tahoe area commuters, students and recreational riders get on their bikes instead of in the cars to get to where they need to go. This year's event started on June 1 and goes until June 14 so there are just a few days to make your bike rides count.
In addition to all the other reasons to participate (including that it is fun & free), the data collected goes to help show the need for bicycle paths and other infrastructure when we apply for grants and other funding.
Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/10/2016 - 11:36pm
Event Date:
June 11, 2016 - 12:00pm
The 3rd annual Wildfire Safety Expo will be held in South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, June 11 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the TJ Maxx parking lot at the "Y" where Highways 50 and 89 meet.
Liberty Utilities begins tree removal for electrical line upgrade at North Shore
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/05/2016 - 8:43pm
On May 31, 2016, Liberty Utilities began helicopter tree removal for the portion of the 650 Electrical Line Upgrade Project on National Forest System lands north of Highway 267 from Brockway Summit to Kings Beach. Public access to the area will be limited during the helicopter operations for public safety.
Liberty Utilities to close SLT office for four days
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/20/2016 - 5:58pm
Liberty Utilities’ walk-in offices located in South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Vista will both be closed on Friday, May 27th and Monday, May 30th.
The offices will be closed on Friday, May 27 to accommodate a billing system upgrade that will occur through the Memorial weekend. The Customer Care call center at 1-800-782-2506 will still be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accept credit and debit card payments and answer customer questions. Customers can also make credit and debit payments online at www.libertyutilities.com.
Nevada solar energy project to supply power to California
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/15/2016 - 7:14pm
Earlier this week, Liberty Utilities held an official groundbreaking ceremony for their first-ever solar facility being built in Mineral County, Nevada.
“This project continues Liberty’s commitment to renewable energy sources,” states Greg Sorensen, President of Liberty Utilities-CA. “When completed later this year, the solar project will meet 25 percent of our customers’ energy needs.”
The Luning Solar Energy Center (aka the “Luning Project”) will be a 50-megawatt project.
Scams on the rise on the South Shore, targeting people as tax returns come in
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/14/2016 - 4:57pm
Just as people are seeing some extra cash in their pocket with tax returns being processed, scams are on the rise in South Lake Tahoe, and elsewhere, trying to cash in on the extra dough.
In South Lake Tahoe last week, a woman who was selling furniture was caught up in a scam that ended up costing her $1,500, the same price she was selling the items for. According to El Dorado County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Seligsohn, scams are getting more sophisticated such as the vacation rental scams, but the sold furniture scam this victim fell for is very common.
Collision on Pioneer Trail causes power outage for over 3,500 customers
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/14/2016 - 4:58pmTwo different incidents on the South Shore Sunday night left 3,510 customers without power for about 45 minutes.
At 9:35 p.m., the California Highway Patrol responded to a collision near the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Golden Bear Trail. A 39-year-old South Lake Tahoe resident lost control of his pick-up truck on snow and ice as he headed around a curved in the southbound lane on Pioneer. He veered into a utility pole causing damage to the truck and breaking the pole, but there were no injuries to the driver or his passenger.
Widespread power outage in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/13/2016 - 10:30pm10:45 p.m. ..Power has been restored in most areas.
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There is a widespread power outage on the South Shore tonight with reports of no electricity from Meyers to the Black Bart area, Highland Woods and Sierra Tract.
Liberty Utilities has crews responding.
They don't have an estimate yet of when power will be restored or how many customers are affected.
Readers at the Y, Tahoe Kets, Bijou and Stateline all report having power.
City adds another location for electric car owners to charge up
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 5:48pm
Visitors to South Lake Tahoe have several options to charge their cars, with the newest location added in the City owned Heavenly Village parking garage.
The City partnered with ChargePoint, the largest electric vehicle charging station company, and added a system on the first floor of the garage near the elevator. Users will need to have an account with ChargePoint.
Scam targeting South Lake Tahoe businesses
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/02/2016 - 9:32pm
Two South Lake Tahoe businesses lost almost $1,000 each this past week when scammers called them, demanding payment of an electrical bill or their power would be shut off.
In both cases, individuals claiming to represent Liberty Utilities called the businesses and demanded payment. The business owners were directed to purchase a prepaid credit card and then call them back with the card number.
Liberty Utilities representatives will not place calls to customers for payment.
Scammers targeting Lake Tahoe utility customers
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/17/2016 - 8:40pm
Liberty Utilities is once again warning the public of both phone and email scams targeting utility customers that appears to becoming more aggressive. Other utilities in the Lake Tahoe region have also been experiencing these calls.
South Lake Tahoe community takes care of each other during holidays
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/19/2015 - 11:29pm
The Christmas spirit has been evident all through the South Shore over the past few weeks as many people and non-profit agencies have been blessed with donations of money, food and gifts to help make the holidays a bit brighter.
Here are some of the many Santas who've been busy at work:
The South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge and Women of the Moose filled up 40 boxes with hams and food for families at Tahoe Valley Elementary school. The students decorated the boxes.
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Tree takes out power line in Meyers, 3,500 customers without electricity
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/11/2015 - 3:23pm
A fallen tree in the middle of the forest early Friday morning led to 3,500 Liberty Utilities customers being without power for several hours.
At 1:50 a.m. it was reported that power was cut off to the homes. Crews had to snowshoe into the forest to find out what the problem was, which turned out to be a tree fallen on a power line. They were able to bypass the system and get power up to about 3,100 customers by 9 a.m.
South Lake Tahoe community coming together for fire victims
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/14/2015 - 8:44pm
The South Lake Tahoe community is doing what they do best, helping out others when needed.
With the Butte Fire forcing hundreds out of their homes while destroying over a hundred of them, and burning tens of thousands of acres, people in that community are in need of assistance.
Enter into the picture Monica Nichols and dozens of other locals as they spearheaded a donation drive and are now taking them into the burn area.
Tahoe Chamber thanks sponsors and participants for Sample the Sierra
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/07/2015 - 10:19am
WINERY/BREWERY/DISTILLERY: Andis Wine | Auriga Wine Cellars | Bella Grace Vineyards | Boeger Winery | Cold Water Brewery & Grill | Crystal Basin Cellars | Dry Diggings Distillery | FOLK Brewing Company - Kombucha on Tap | Great Basin Brewing Co. | Lava Cap Winery | Loomis Basin Brewing Co. | Madrona Vineyards | Nello Olivo Wines | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | Stateline Brewery | Story Winery | Sugar Lille | Tahoe Blue Vodka | Tahoe Moonshine Distillery | Vino Noceto
Power back on in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/07/2015 - 11:43amUpdate: Power was been restored to the 35 businesses affected by Friday's power outage in the Bijou area at 3:25 p.m.
Liberty Utilities had originally said power would be back up at 5 p.m.
The cause has not been released as of yet but it had to do with underground wiring.
New power lines being installed between Martis Creek and Northstar
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/15/2015 - 10:01pm
Liberty Utilities will begin construction to upgrade its existing 650 electrical line on or around August 3. Prior to this date, the public may see materials staged and vegetation management activities occur in preparation for the project.
Carson Valley residents upset about proposed 260 acre solar panel project
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/01/2015 - 10:28pm
A proposed solar panel project on 260 acres of Park Cattle Company land won approval by the Douglas County Planning Commission in May, but residents opposing the solar farm with its 148,277 panels are fighting back. They are taking their complaints to the July 2 meeting of the Douglas County Commissioners led by local residents Steve and Mary Walker who filed an appeal right after approval of the planning commission.
Scheduled power outage in Markleeville postponed due to fire
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 5:34pm
Liberty Utilities has cancelled the planned power outage scheduled for parts of Alpine County due to the current Washington Fire in the Markleeville area.
The outage was scheduled for June 24th and July 1st to allow Liberty crews to replace some power poles in the area.
Liberty will notify its customers when this necessary maintenance will occur once new
dates have been scheduled.
Liberty Utilities awards scholarships to seven students
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/09/2015 - 5:22pm
Liberty Utilities has announced the winners of their annual high school and community college scholarships for students living within the utility’s service territory.
South Tahoe High School – Priya Patel
Loyalton High School – Cheyenne Little
Coleville High School – Joel Gomez
North Tahoe High School – Johanna Gur
Portola High School – Saul Juarez
Truckee High School – Aaron Kuyper
Lake Tahoe Community College – Antonio Benitez
Liberty Utilities wants to raise rates by 17.34%
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/18/2015 - 7:49pm
In a move to increase revenue by $13.571 million, Liberty Utilities filed an application Monday with the California Public Utilities Commission to raise rates to their 49,000 customers in the Lake Tahoe region by 17.34%.
The change would begin on January 1, 2016. Liberty Utilities said in a press release that the projected new residential rate of 16.73 cents per kwh (compared to the current 14.26 cents per kwh) is still equal or less than residential rates for neighboring electric utilities.
Liberty Utilities to develop two solar projects in Nevada
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/08/2015 - 10:05pm
There may soon be two new solar projects in Nevada, one nearby in Minden and the other near Luning in Mineral County.
Liberty Utilities announced Friday that they filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proposing to build two separate solar projects that would be built in Nevada and provide renewable energy to Liberty’s customers via NV Energy’s transmission lines.
Sierra Club applauds Liberty Utilities' stand against coal
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 8:35pm
Liberty Utilities no longer wants to receive energy produced by coal so they have asked to end their contract with NV Energy's North Valmy Coal plant. Instead they are asking for a new contract that excludes all coal-fired resources.
Up to 20% of all power currently sent to Lake Tahoe comes from the large coal plant in Nevada as part of the existing contract with NV Energy, which ends in December.
Friday's Business Expo to feature 100 local businesses
Submitted by paula on Mon, 03/23/2015 - 9:09pm
The most innovative South Shore businesses will exhibit at the 2015 Business EXPO: Innovation in the Basin on Friday, March 27. The largest business and networking event of the year, Tahoe Chamber’s Business EXPO includes 100 local businesses ranging from restaurants and resorts to recreation providers to retailers. The event includes food and drink tastings, giveaways and a new networking lounge sponsored by the City of South Lake Tahoe, Winters Construction Group and Red Carpet Events and Design.
Kudos: Liberty Utilities employees give back during the holidays
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/20/2014 - 11:04pm
You may recall that a month ago employees from Liberty Utilities donated cash and boxes and cans of food for the South Lake Tahoe backpack food program, Page and Sage. This generous donation allows the group to continue to feed the kids in need in our community.
8,800 Liberty Utility customers without power in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/11/2014 - 2:44pmAs of 12:30 p.m. today, Liberty Utilities reports that they are currently experiencing numerous outages related to high winds and, in some cases, trees falling into distribution power lines in both South Lake and North Lake Tahoe. Exact number of customers affected by these smaller outages is being determined.
However, we know that 8,800 Liberty customers in South Lake Tahoe have been affected by an outage involving our Meyers Substation which is, in part, fed by NV Energy.
Tips for being prepared during Lake Tahoe's winter storms
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/11/2014 - 12:38am
Liberty Utilities is reminding customers to always be prepared for winter storms and possible power outages that may result from them.
“Although we’ve made significant progress in reducing electrical outages since acquiring the utility nearly four years ago, the reality is that a really big winter storm can impact our ability to keep the lights on,” according to Mike Smart, President of Liberty Utilities-California.
With the approaching winter storm, Liberty offers the following outage preparation tips:
Liberty Utilities gives steps on reducing energy costs this winter
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/03/2014 - 12:02am
Since winter is the time that people in South Lake Tahoe use the most energy. Liberty Utilities wants to help residents save 10-25% on their energy bills with some simple and no-cost steps.
1) Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when home, and then back to 55-68 degrees when the home is unoccupied.
2) Open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun.
3) Close foundation vents.
4) Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, including your computer.
Liberty Utilities employees donate food and cash for Page & Sage backpack program
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/20/2014 - 10:06pm
Page & Sage has been serving students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District for three years, giving children in need a backpack of food and a book to take home over the weekends when they don't receive free lunches and breakfasts at school.
When Liberty Utilities in South Lake Tahoe found out about the program they began a food and donation drive in order to help fill the program's shelves. They gathered boxes and cans of food and almost $300 in cash.
Power outage Saturday night from Reno to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/28/2014 - 10:14amSunday 10:22 a.m. Update: There is an arcing power line in the Bijou area that Liberty Utilities is now working on. A pocket of residents around Herbert Avenue are without power.
A power outage on Saturday night affected over 15,000 customers from South Lake Tahoe through Douglas County to Carson City and Reno.
According to Liberty Utilities, electricity was out briefly for some areas around Carson City and up to 3 hours in South Lake Tahoe. Power went out in South Lake Tahoe at 11:45 p.m. and returned at different times through the night.
Marijuana grow houses becoming a problem in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/27/2014 - 12:59am
There are an estimated 500 unpermitted, illegal marijuana grow houses on the South Shore according to local law enforcement. In the city limits, South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler estimates there are 300 houses where marijuana is growing illegally with another 200 in the El Dorado County portion of the South Shore according to SLEDNET’s Matt Underhill. (SLEDNET stands for South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team, a joint drug enforcement task force)
49,000 customers to benefit from proposed Liberty Utilities power line upgrade
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/21/2014 - 9:31pmThe TRPA, U.S. Forest Service and the California Public Utilities Commission have released a final environmental impact report on the proposed electrical system upgrade in North Lake Tahoe by Liberty Utilities.
The proposed 625 and 650 Electrical Line Upgrade Project would consist primarily of an upgrade of Liberty Energy's existing 625 and 650 electrical power lines and associated substations from 60 kilovolt to 120 kV, to allow the entire North Lake Tahoe Transmission System to operate at 120 kV.
LTCC to receive $17,085.85 check from Liberty Utilities
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/03/2014 - 9:22pm
Energy saving improvements at the Lake Tahoe Community College will soon pay off financially when Liberty Utilities presents a check for $17.085.85 to the LTCC board of directors on September 9.
The check represents all of the rebates the college was eligible for after the improvements were used on campus starting in 2013.
Vandals cut down power pole; Liberty Utilities asks for public's help
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/02/2014 - 11:01pm
Vandals used a chainsaw to cut down a power pole on the west slope causing the loss of power to customers in the Floriston/Farad area.
Liberty Utilities is asking for the public's help in finding the culprit(s) responsible for damage to their 25kV power line.
Scam hitting South Lake Tahoe residents
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/28/2014 - 8:37am
South Lake Tahoe residents are reporting being the target of a phone scam where people pretending to be from Liberty Utilities call and demand payment.
According to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the caller tells the resident that they have a past due bill, and threaten to shut off their power if they don't pay the bill over the phone immediately.
American Legion and Gold Star Mom withdraw support from local event
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/20/2014 - 11:18pm
American Legion Post 795 has withdrawn all support and endorsement of the Forever Dreams for Veterans program scheduled at MontBleu on September 6, 2014. Gold Star Mom, Patty Smith, mother of Sgt. Timothy M. Smith who was killed in action, has also rescinded all support. The Rose of Love ride from the Carson City Harley Davidson site to the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe has been cancelled.
Power out in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/05/2013 - 9:51amThe power is out in many neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe. A call to Liberty Utilities resulted in notification that the power will back on by 10:45 am. We will post more information once in.
Success at 4th Annual Sample the Sierra
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 4:01pm
Despite smoky skies, South Lake Tahoe was still a hot spot this Labor Day Weekend. The 4th Annual Sample the Sierra festival brought in masses of people to taste the unique flavors of the Sierra Nevada. The kickoff Winemakers Dinner at Bumgarner Winery spoiled attendees with a five course meal prepared in the wood fired oven with each course appropriately paired with one of Bumgarner’s fine wines. Saturday’s Sip & Shop at Après Wine Company drew more than 20 people to taste C.G. Di Arie wines and gourmet cheeses.
Liberty Utilities warns public of deceptive calls
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/29/2013 - 11:40amLiberty Utilities is warning the public that individuals claiming to represent Liberty and demanding payment over the phone have been reported by its customers. Liberty Utilities representatives would not be placing calls to customers for payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a call to contact us at 1-800-782-2506.
