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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0513

Transformer failure at Tyler Substation cuts power to 6,300 customers

Apr 2025Published 7 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorElectricalProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
substation at Grande Boulevard and Broadway Avenue, Tyler, Texas
Operator
Oncor
What
transformer fell causing outage to 6,300 customers
Cause
Not reported
Outcome
power restored by 1:30pm

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Oncor

What happened

A transformer fell at a substation located at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Broadway Avenue in Tyler, Texas, causing a power outage that affected approximately 6,300 customers. The outage disrupted multiple traffic signals throughout the city, including several along Broadway Avenue. The City of Tyler's traffic operations department deployed generators to restore power to some intersections, though others remained without power for a period. City officials advised drivers to treat darkened traffic signals as four-way stops. According to Oncor, the utility operator, power was expected to be restored by approximately 1:30pm, and Oncor later confirmed that all power had been restored by that time.

Contributing factors

The source does not report the underlying cause of the transformer failure.

Lessons learned

  1. A substation transformer failure can cut supply to traffic signals across a city, so operators should map critical loads and pre-position backup power at key intersections.
  2. When a substation outage hits traffic controls, clear public advice on four-way stops reduces collision risk until signals return.

More lessons on outages, backup supply and restoration, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the transformer failure
  • Transformer model and age
  • Duration of traffic signal outage at each site

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

ketk.com

Published 2026-09-07. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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