Huntington Park residents endure scheduled power outage during sweltering heat

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Huntington Park officials are asking Southern California Edison to postpone three planned power outages after residents and businesses endured a scheduled outage on Tuesday amid extreme heat.

SoCal Edison turned off the power to perform maintenance and equipment upgrades. The work was wrapping up by 3 p.m., and electricity was scheduled to be restored by 4 p.m.

At La Quesadilla Loco, the owner and employees said they opened the restaurant to keep food stored in refrigerators from spoiling. The owner said the business lost much of its breakfast and lunch crowd because it could not serve customers.

"I came at 6 in the morning to try to do something before they cut it. Because they were going to cut it at 8, and they cut it at 11," said Jose Pimentel of La Quesadilla Loca. "Somebody let me borrow the generator. Because for me it's not just, 'I'm not opening up,' or like that. I've got refrigerators and inventory."

The outage was planned in advance to allow SoCal Edison crews to perform necessary maintenance.

Huntington Park Mayor Eddie Martinez said he understands that the work needs to be completed, but is asking SoCal Edison to reschedule the next three planned outages for dates without high heat. One outage is planned in a couple of days on Aug. 27, while two are scheduled for Sept. 1.

"For older adults, families with young children and residents who depend on powered medical equipment, losing electricity can quickly become a health and safety issue. We are working with SCE to identify safer dates while allowing these important improvements to move forward," Martinez said.

Residents of a senior apartment complex said they were struggling with the heat during the outage. Peggy Aldrich said she found some relief in a breezeway.

"The closest place that I've found to sit is right there in that breezeway. And there is a breeze that blows through there. And that's nice and cool," Aldrich said.

SoCal Edison acknowledged the disruption but said delaying maintenance could result in more extensive outages. The utility issued the following statement:

"Southern California Edison recognizes that any power outage is disruptive to our customers, especially during periods of high temperature. Whenever a maintenance outage is necessary, we do everything we can to lessen the impact on customers and the community, including providing advance notice whenever possible so customers can prepare.

While we understand customer frustration, delaying critical maintenance and equipment upgrades can increase the risk of an unplanned outage that may affect more customers and take longer to repair.

Maintaining and strengthening the electric system is a year-round effort. Completing scheduled maintenance work, including during the summer months, is essential to helping keep power flowing safely and reliably to the communities we serve."

Huntington Park residents can find relief at city cooling centers located at Salt Lake Park and Raul Perez Park.