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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-0897

Transformer fire reported at CenterPoint substation in Texas City

May 2018Published 16 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fireProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
CenterPoint substation in Texas City, Texas
Operator
CenterPoint
What
Transformer caught fire on afternoon of 8 May 2018
Cause
Not reported

What happened

A transformer caught fire at a CenterPoint substation in Texas City, Texas, on the afternoon of Tuesday 8 May 2018, according to a photo gallery published by a local broadcaster. Thick black smoke and heavy flames were reported to be visible for miles. The available coverage consists of images with brief captions only. The cause of the fire, the extent of damage, any loss of supply to customers, the fire service response and any injuries were not reported.

Contributing factors

Not reported.

Lessons learned

  1. A transformer fire at a substation can produce thick black smoke visible for miles, so operators should prepare public communication lines for nearby communities.
  2. Substation transformer fires often receive only image based coverage, so operators should plan for prompt factual updates to insurers and lenders.

More lessons on emergency response and public communication, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Cause of the fire
  • Extent of damage
  • Loss of supply to customers
  • Fire service response and duration

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

Source

khou.com

Other entries that name CenterPoint

Published 2026-09-16. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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