Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-1052

Transformer explosion causes power outage in Hoboken

Feb 2021Published 18 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectricalProvisional

Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?

supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate

From the recordRoot cause Failed part

Where: Transformer in Hoboken, New Jersey
Operator: PSE&G
What: Transformer explosion caused power outages
Cause: Weather-related
Response: Hoboken Fire Department and PSE&G responded

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

What happened

A transformer explosion in Hoboken, New Jersey, led to power outages for residents on the evening of 15 February 2021. PSE&G said the incident started around 7:30 p.m. and was weather-related. The Hoboken Fire Department and PSE&G responded to outages and electrical emergencies across the city. According to PSE&G, more than 500 customers were affected. Power was reported fully restored just before 11 p.m.

Contributing factors

PSE&G said the incident was weather-related. No further cause is reported.

Lessons learned

Weather-related faults in grid transformers can cut supply to hundreds of customers at once, so operators should check weather protection on all exposed units.
Joint utility and fire service teams are needed for city-wide electrical emergencies after a transformer fault.

More lessons on weather and external hazards, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

Exact cause of the transformer explosion
Transformer model and age
Cost of the damage and downtime

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Source

abc7ny.com

Published 2026-09-18. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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The record behind this entry

The record behind EIR-1052 holds the operator, the root cause, what failed and the fire service response as fields you can filter, count and export, with its source and their verification status. The cause is not hidden: the contributing factors above give it as the sources report it. The record adds it as a field. Companies are named in the roles the sources give them. Being named is not a finding of fault.

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Failed part: •••••••
Fire service response: ••••••••••
Sources: ••••••••

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