Massive Power Outage Hits Tucson Due to Electrical Fault
On November 12, a significant power outage disrupted Tucson, Arizona, affecting many residents due to an electrical fault at a substation. Tucson Electric Power (TEP) reported that the incident occurred at a 46-kilovolt facility, which provides electricity to various neighborhoods in the area.
Details of the Power Outage
The outage began around 2 p.m. and peaked with over 18,000 customers losing power. TEP confirmed that power was restored after approximately one hour and ten minutes. By 4:30 p.m., around 300 customers remained without service.
Troubleshooting and Safety Measures
Despite thorough inspections, TEP was unable to determine the exact cause of the electrical fault. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, “After determining it was safe to re-energize our equipment, we were able to bring most customers back into service.” They will continue to monitor the substation closely.
Traffic Disruptions Reported
During the outage, multiple reports surfaced of traffic lights being non-functional in Tucson and Oro Valley. The Oro Valley Police Department responded by deploying officers to Oracle Road to manage traffic flow. They cautioned drivers about possible congestion and advised treating non-operational traffic signals as four-way stops.
- Date of Outage: November 12
- Customers Affected: Over 18,000
- Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Remaining Outages: Approximately 300 customers by 4:30 p.m.
TEP continues to prioritize restoring full service and ensuring the reliability of their electrical systems in Tucson. As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets like El-Balad.
