Anza Electric Cooperative finished repair work on its distribution system in early August after wildfires burned two miles of its only electric transmission line.

Helicopters helped to replace transmission poles destroyed by the Cranston fire. Credit: Anza ElectricService disruptions began July 25 and included service rotations and air-conditioning restrictions. The transmission line is owned by Southern California Edison and needed to be replaced in a rugged and remote part of the state east of Los Angeles.

(Read "Wildfire Burned This Co-op's Only Transmission Link.")

While repairs were under way, five trailer-mounted generators kept power on for most Anza member customers.

“I was the wacky gal standing out there clapping for you guys as you pulled out,” wrote one co-op member in a posting on Anza EC’s Facebook page, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “All your hard work is so appreciated.”

A total of 80 line and civil engineering crews were involved in repair and replacement of nearly 130 overhead transmission structures. Nearly 40 vegetation management crews and 13 traffic control crews also supported repairs, along with 16 damage assessment teams and three helicopters.

The fire repairs also provided an opportunity to expedite planned system upgrades that were expected to be completed in late 2018. The upgrades will enable the co-op to handle more power during periods of peak seasonal demand.