The explosion and fires that broke out in two Madison Gas and Electric power stations today have led to power outages for as many as 13,000 residents, according to some reports – on a day when a weather alert warns that today may be the hottest of the year. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says power might not be restored at any time today.
Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E) president and CEO Jeff Keebler, however, hopes to restore power within a few hours. Keebler says the company is still unsure whether the explosion caused the fire or vice versa, reports the Wisconsin State Journal.
Businesses in the downtown area that have been affected include UW Hospital, where some surgeries were postponed. UW Health’s Union Corners clinic was closed, as was UnityPoint Health-Meriter’s West Washington Clinic. Metro Transit’s main officers were without power, but its call center was able to reopen this morning. The State Capitol was closed, and all non-essential government employees in the area were sent home, the article reports.
While news outlets are reporting the number of those affected as anywhere from 10,000 to 13,000, the MG&S website puts the number at 6,788 as of 12:15 pm Friday. A message on the site reads, “We are unable to estimate when service will be restored at this time. Our employees are currently assessing the situation and will provide an estimate of service restoration once more information is known.”
MG&E says a fire occurred this morning at a downtown Madison substation containing both MG&E and American Transmission Co. equipment. MG&E’s electric distribution system was intact at the time of the fire. A second fire occurred at the East Campus substation, impacting equipment belonging to American Transmission Co.
In order to put out the fire safely, the company needed to shut down power to a large number of customers. “Damage assessment is underway and crews are working as quickly as possible to safely restore service,” the company says. It goes on to urge customers to seek indoor areas with air conditioning. Weather forecasts put today’s projected heat index at 105 degrees.
There have been no reports of injuries.
MG&E is working with American Transmission Co. and the Madison Fire Department to investigate the cause.
