Two-phase power outage scheduled for Yokota's east side Aug. 27-28

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robin Stanchak
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, there is a two-phase power outage scheduled for the east side area of Yokota. The first outage will be from 6 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, and the second outage will be from 10 p.m. on Saturday through 6 a.m. on Sunday.

All east side residential housing (towers and garden units) including facilities such as the Natatorium, Base Theater, Teen Center and Joan K. Mendel Elementary School will be affected.

The east side Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppette and Subway will be open. However, the fuel pumps and concessions, including the barbershop, beauty salon and laundry dry/cleaner will be closed.

Critical facilities such as the 374th Medical Group hospital, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and water tower will be operating on backup generators and should not be affected, said Lt. Col. Wade Rawlins, commander of the 374th CES.

"We understand that this outage is inconvenient for people, so we have tried to give as much advance notice as possible to help people prepare," said Colonel Rawlins. "Partly because of the heat, the outage was planned into two morning and night phases rather than a single, all-day outage."

"This is an important part of maintaining reliable power for our residents and mission. If we did not do this work, there would be a high risk of having an unscheduled power outage that could last months before we could get parts and cost a lot to provide generators and fuel for our facilities," he added.

During an electrical equipment project conducted in April, it was discovered that one of the three transformers currently running on Yokota was not functioning properly. Due to a factory defect it was unable to be repaired and required replacement as soon as possible.

"Since we only have two out of three transformers operating, the other two are working at maximum capacity," said Colonel Rawlins. "That is why you may notice some of the portable generators in the east side housing areas; these are used to supplement the power supply."

Colonel Rawlins went on to say, "Without the portable generators, the two transformers could overload and shut down, or else we'd have to cut power to certain areas to avoid damaging the transformers. Pushing back or delaying the scheduled outage only increases the risk of an unplanned power failure."

With ongoing power conservation in full swing at Yokota, it is especially important for residents and personnel to reduce energy use.

"Our hope is that people will understand that this is a short term inconvenience that will result in long term, safe and reliable power for Yokota," said the colonel.