Avista Reschedules Genesee, Idaho Power Outage for April 28 Following Weather Delay
GENESEE, Idaho — Avista Utilities has rescheduled a planned power outage in Genesee after weather complications forced the company to delay the original work date. Approximately 337 customers in the Genesee area will lose power on Tuesday, April 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while Avista crews carry out infrastructure maintenance in the community.
The outage was originally scheduled for Friday, April 24, but adverse weather conditions pushed the work back to the new date. Avista has stated that all affected customers will be notified in advance of the interruption in service.
Aging Infrastructure the Focus of the Work
According to Avista, crews will use the scheduled outage window to replace aging power poles and equipment in the Genesee area. The work represents routine but necessary investment in the region’s electrical grid, the kind of maintenance that utility companies periodically undertake to prevent unexpected failures and ensure reliable power delivery to residential and business customers.
Genesee, a small agricultural community in southern Latah County along the Palouse, relies heavily on consistent electrical service — both for everyday residential needs and for the farming operations that form the backbone of the local economy. Equipment failures and unplanned outages can carry significant costs for agricultural producers, particularly during the spring planting season.
The planned eight-hour window — running from early morning through mid-afternoon — gives crews the bulk of a workday to complete the pole and equipment replacement while limiting the disruption to evening hours when residential demand typically peaks.
Traffic Control Planned Near Work Zone
In addition to the power interruption, Avista has announced that traffic control measures will be in place along the work corridor. Specifically, traffic control will be active from Laurel Street north of Chestnut Street during the outage period. Residents and drivers traveling through that stretch of Genesee on Tuesday morning should expect some congestion or detours as crews work in the area.
Utility pole replacement typically requires bucket trucks and other large equipment that can temporarily restrict road access. Residents are encouraged to plan alternate routes or adjust travel schedules accordingly during the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. window.
Customers with medical equipment or other needs that depend on uninterrupted power are advised to make preparations well ahead of the outage start time. Avista recommends customers take standard precautions: unplugging sensitive electronics, keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food, and having flashlights and backup power sources on hand if necessary.
Power outages — even planned ones — carry risks for some residents. Earlier this year, a Genesee home was destroyed by fire, a reminder of how quickly property loss can occur when emergency response or household systems are disrupted. Residents with concerns about safety during Tuesday’s outage are encouraged to have a plan in place before 8:00 a.m.
Latah County has seen a range of public safety activity in recent weeks. Latah County deputies investigated an active scene in Juliaetta, underscoring the ongoing demands on local law enforcement and emergency services throughout the region.
Customers who have questions about the scheduled outage, need to report concerns, or require additional information can contact Avista directly by calling (800) 227-9187. The company has indicated that all affected customers in the Genesee area will receive advance notification before the April 28 outage begins.
For broader statewide utility and infrastructure news, readers can follow coverage at Idaho News.
What Comes Next
Avista crews are expected to complete the pole and equipment replacement work on Tuesday, April 28, with power restored to Genesee customers by 4:00 p.m. barring additional weather or logistical complications. If conditions change or the work runs long, Avista is the point of contact for updated outage status. Residents in surrounding Latah County communities should not expect service disruptions related to this specific maintenance project.