Avista Utilities Downtown Lewiston Idaho

SPOKANE - Avista announced today that power restoration efforts following Wednesday’s severe windstorm are complete, and crews and support staff have returned to normal operations. Over six days, Avista teams and contract partners worked around the clock to bring service back to more than 80,000 customers who lost power at the height of the storm.

The Dec. 17 windstorm caused widespread damage across the Inland Northwest, with high winds toppling trees and limbs into power lines and poles. Avista immediately mobilized additional resources, engaging support staff and contractors to accelerate restoration efforts. 

By 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, crews had completed repairs in all affected areas. They moved from one hard-hit area to the next, working tirelessly to bring power back to homes and businesses. Remote and hard-to-access locations posed the greatest challenges, with rugged terrain, downed poles, fallen trees, and storm debris slowing progress.

More than 500 individuals played a direct role in restoration efforts. Frontline electric crews replaced poles, restrung wire, and rebuilt critical infrastructure, while support staff and community partners stepped up to assist. Local organizations provided warm meals to utility workers, and generators were delivered to some rural areas to offer heat and shelter for towns without power.

What truly made this event remarkable was the way our communities came together. Customers shared messages of encouragement on social media, reminding crews that their efforts mattered. Others found creative ways to bring cheer during challenging conditions, from festive Santa costumes in cold workplaces to neighbors checking in on one another. These gestures of support uplifted our teams and reinforced the strength of the Inland Northwest spirit.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the resilience of our customers and the dedication of every crew member who worked tirelessly to restore service,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista President and CEO. “We are pleased to share that all crews completed restoration work without any safety incidents. The Inland Northwest’s natural beauty comes with challenges – when heavy rains saturate the soil and strong winds follow, the impact can be severe. Thanks to the combined efforts of our teams and contractors, we overcame those obstacles. The patience and support shown by our communities made a real difference, and we deeply appreciate it.”

Events like this remind us how important it is to stay connected. Customers are encouraged to visit myavista.com to confirm or update their contact information. They can also sign up for text alerts, which provides timely information about their services. When customers keep their contact details up to date, it allows Avista to quickly communicate important updates, especially during outages or severe weather events, ensuring they receive the latest information that affects their power and safety.