Power Customers Want Outage Answers

It’s been four days since 20,000 customers lost power in Santa Barbara, Montecito and other areas, but Southern Cal Edison still doesn’t have answers.

Some people think too many air conditioners were running full blast. Others think a lack of maintenance may be to blame.

SCE spokesperson Rondi Guthrie said the company is still investigating.

Meanwhile businesses such as Opal restaurant on state street took a financial hit.

The restaurant was serving a packed house full of people planning to see Tony Bennett at the Granada. They also were scheduled to cater a First Thursday event at the Arlington Theater.

Opal has battery operated candles on each table and co-owner Richard Yates said his staff is ready for the next outage.