Power Line Outage

It’s not you. It’s us.

Hearing static on your radio or missing your favorite over-the-air TV programs? You’re not alone.

STATUS: OFF AIR – ANTICIPATED REPAIRS IN SUMMER 2026

What’s going on?

A long-term power line outage at SPRTV’s Bald Mountain transmission site has temporarily taken our over-the-air rebroadcast services offline. This interrupts the over-the-air reception of multiple radio and television stations across Summit County.

Troubleshooting indicates the failure is in a rugged, high-elevation section of the line in the “Baldy Bowl” area. Because winter conditions limit safe access, remaining repair work must wait until an access window returns, currently expected in summer 2026.

In the meantime, SPRTV continues to plan and coordinate the final steps needed to restore reliable, free over-the-air service as soon as conditions and permissions allow.

Read the full press release →

“Our mission has always been simple — keep Summit County connected.”

– Sue Greene, SPRTV Board President

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Your questions, answered.

Why did the power line fail?

The exact cause of the failure has not been fully determined. However, the power line serving the Bald Mountain transmission site is more than 40 years old and has been operating well beyond its original lifespan.

Where is the outage?

Troubleshooting and fault isolation determined that the upper segment of the power line in the “Baldy Bowl” area failed.

Why can’t repairs happen in winter?

The outage occurred during the fall season and was isolated to the uppermost section at 12,500 feet. Freeze cycles set in and on fragile terrain. Excavating equipment could not access the buried line, and digging was not possible.

When can service be restored?

We are so ready to get up on Baldy to make repairs. When the ground thaws and conditions are safe, we will be there. The restoration window is estimated for the summer of 2026.

What stations are affected?

Several radio and TV outlets based in Summit, Eagle County, Denver, and the Front Range that rely on SPRTV’s signal relay are off the air. Stations that operate independent of the Bald Mountain Transmitter Site are NOT impacted. See the list of SPRTV Broadcast Partners here.

What is SPRTV doing in the meantime?

We are planning for our comeback! Free, over-the-air access matters too much for us to slow down. Our team is in full throttle, preparing for a return to the airwaves and looking after our equipment. We are also working with partner organizations and agencies, including permit and licensing coordination, to support a safe and timely return.

What is happening with the new power line project?

SPRTV has already completed much of the work on a new, more resilient power line to the Bald Mountain transmission site. Cable has been installed along a more sustainable route, following extensive engineering, environmental review, and coordination with permitting agencies.

The final phase of the project has been delayed by factors outside of SPRTV’s direct control. While those challenges have extended the timeline, improving the infrastructure remains the most sustainable and long-term solution to ensure reliable power at the transmission site.

We are ready to complete the remaining work as soon as conditions and approvals allow.