According to the available information, tWIN FALLS, Idaho: Thousands of electricity customers in Twin Falls experienced a temporary power outage on Thursday morning, October 15, 2026, after a bird reportedly entered an Idaho Power substation and disrupted service. The outage affected approximately 8,300 customers across a substantial part of the city, interrupting electricity at homes, schools, traffic signals, and facilities at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). According to local reporting by KMVT/KSVT, electricity was restored at around 10 a.m., approximately 40 minutes after the…
The outage affected approximately 8,300 customers across a substantial part of the city, interrupting electricity at homes, schools, traffic signals, and facilities at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI).
According to local reporting by KMVT/KSVT, electricity was restored at around 10 a.m., approximately 40 minutes after the outage began.
The incident highlighted how an unexpected problem at a single electrical facility can affect multiple neighborhoods and essential services.
What Caused the Twin Falls Power Outage?
According to Idaho Power’s regional manager, Joe Kendall, a bird entered the company’s Twin Falls substation on Thursday morning, triggering the interruption in service.
The outage was reported at approximately 9:15 a.m. and affected an estimated 8,300 customers. The affected area extended from the Snake River Canyon toward the intersection of Addison Avenue and Shoshone Street East.
The incident demonstrates how animals and other unexpected objects can interfere with electrical infrastructure. Idaho Power lists animals and objects contacting electrical equipment among the potential causes of power outages.
Although the disruption affected a large number of customers, the reported outage was relatively brief, with power restored at approximately 10 a.m.
Key Facts About the Twin Falls Outage
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Date | October 15, 2026 |
| Reported start time | Approximately 9:15 a.m. MDT |
| Customers affected | Approximately 8,300 |
| Reported cause | A bird entered an Idaho Power substation |
| Utility provider | Idaho Power |
| Duration | Approximately 40 minutes |
| Restoration time | Around 10 a.m. MDT |
| Affected facilities | Homes, traffic signals, schools, and College of Southern Idaho facilities |
| Latest reported status | Power restored after the Thursday morning outage |
| Ongoing outage today | Not confirmed by the reports reviewed |
Schools and College Campus Affected
The power interruption affected educational facilities in Twin Falls, including six schools within the Twin Falls School District and the College of Southern Idaho, according to KMVT’s reporting.
The outage created temporary challenges for students and staff who were in classrooms and campus buildings when the electricity went out.
Spencer Cutler, CSI’s director of facilities and maintenance, explained that the college relies on backup systems for certain safety functions. Emergency lighting, fire alarms, and elevators have battery backups, but those systems cannot necessarily operate indefinitely without normal power.
College officials assess safety conditions during outages when deciding whether normal campus activities can continue or whether a closure is necessary. Students and employees can receive campus updates through the institution’s messaging system.
During Thursday’s incident, some people gathered in areas with emergency lighting while waiting for further information.
Traffic Signals Also Lost Power
The outage affected traffic lights at multiple intersections, creating confusion for some motorists.
Twin Falls Police Department Lieutenant Steven Gassert explained that drivers approaching an intersection where traffic signals are completely dark or flashing red should treat it as a four-way stop.
That means motorists should come to a complete stop, observe the right-of-way rules, and proceed carefully when it is safe.
Drivers should also reduce their speed and remain alert during nighttime outages, when dark intersections and reduced visibility can increase the risk of collisions.
How Idaho Power Responds to Outages
Idaho Power operates a network of substations and distribution feeders that deliver electricity to communities across its service area. When a substation or feeder experiences a problem, the impact depends on the equipment involved and the areas supplied by that part of the network.
According to the company’s regional manager, dispatchers and operators monitor system interruptions and send crews to investigate and address problems.
For Thursday’s incident, Idaho Power personnel in Twin Falls and other line resources were dispatched to respond.
The company prioritizes hazardous situations and works to restore service while protecting customers and utility workers. Restoration times can vary depending on the nature of an incident and the number of customers affected.
Is the Power Back On in Twin Falls?
The outage described in local news reports was resolved on Thursday morning, October 15, with power restored at approximately 10 a.m.
However, that restoration report does not establish whether a separate outage has occurred since then or whether an individual property is currently without electricity.
Residents experiencing a new interruption should check Idaho Power’s official outage map for the latest reported incidents and restoration estimates.
Customers can also report an outage directly to Idaho Power. The utility advises customers to report an interruption if it has lasted more than 10 minutes and does not appear on the outage map.
Official outage information: Idaho Power’s Outage Map.
What Residents Should Do During a Power Outage
Residents can take several precautions when electricity is interrupted:
- Check the outage map: Review Idaho Power’s official outage information for known incidents and estimated restoration times.
- Report an unlisted outage: Contact the utility if the interruption continues and does not appear on its map.
- Treat dark traffic signals as four-way stops: Come to a complete stop and proceed only when safe.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed: This helps preserve food while electricity is unavailable.
- Use generators outdoors: Never operate a fuel-powered generator inside a home, garage, or enclosed space because of carbon monoxide risks.
- Protect essential medical equipment: Make backup arrangements for medical devices that require continuous electricity.
- Stay away from downed power lines: Keep at least 100 feet away and call 911 if a downed line creates a hazard.
Idaho Power provides additional outage preparedness guidance through its official website.
Disclaimer
This report is based on local news coverage published on October 15, 2026, and outage information from Idaho Power. The reported cause, number of affected customers, duration, and restoration time relate to Thursday morning’s incident. They should not be interpreted as confirmation of the status of every location in Twin Falls on October 16, 2026. Customers should consult the utility’s official outage map for current information.
