The installation of fiber optic cable in several Baker City neighborhoods has prompted residents to call Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative to report possible downed power lines.

That’s not the case, said Shane Stenquist, manager of communications for OTEC.

The wires people saw were fiber optic lines that Ziply Fiber is installing so the company can offer internet service to Baker City residents and businesses.

“These fiber optic lines are not related to OTEC infrastructure,” Stenquist said. “If residents see downed lines in the Ziply construction area and are unsure if they are fiber optic lines, we encourage you to check the Ziply Fiber expansion map. If you are still unsure, please call and verify that it is a Ziply fiber optic line. As always, OTEC’s top priority is safety. If you see a downed power line, or are unsure if it is a power line, please stay at least 50 feet away and report it to 911 or 1-866-430-4265.”

A map showing areas where Ziply’s contractors are working is available at ziplyfiber.com/new-fiber-locations/Oregon/Baker-City.

Stenquist didn’t have an estimate for the number of calls OTEC has received due to the fiber optic installation.

Dan Miller, a senior vice president for Curator, a public relations company working for Ziply, said Ziply, which is based in Kirkland, Washington, has been working in Baker City for several weeks, and likely will be installing fiber optic lines for at least a couple more months.

Miller said Ziply will make its fiber optic network available to about 2,500 homes and businesses in Baker City.

The company bought EONI, a local internet provider, in June 2022, Miller said.

Fiber optic cable is already installed in parts of the city, mainly in the eastern area.