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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-1151

Fire at Lubbock substation after reported equipment failure

Apr 2017Published 21 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectricalProvisional
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
McDonald's substation on Milwaukee Avenue in Lubbock, Texas
Operator
LP&L
What
Fire after equipment failure affected more than 7,000 customers
Cause
Not reported
Outcome
Customers back on supply, crews remained on site

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

What happened

Around 2 a.m. on 24 April 2017, a fire was reported at the McDonald's substation on Milwaukee Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. LP&L reported an equipment failure at the substation that affected more than 7,000 customers. Officials said something sparked a riser at 11th Place, the line overheated, and there was an explosion and an arc of electricity. The exact cause of the spark was not known. A transformer was also reported to have blown at 4th and Slide Avenue.

Equipment inside the substation used to identify faults was reported to have malfunctioned. Power lines were down and some roads were closed. Customers were reported back on supply, with crews remaining on site to check the equipment and investigate.

Contributing factors

LP&L reported an equipment failure, and the equipment used to identify faults was reported to have malfunctioned. A spokesman said the spark might have been caused by an animal or by a lightning strike in the previous month that weakened the line, but neither was confirmed. The exact cause was not known.

Lessons learned

  1. Substation fault detection equipment must be tested regularly because its malfunction can allow a fault to develop into a fire and explosion.
  2. Unknown causes require prompt checks of all damaged lines and transformers before the event is treated as closed.

More lessons on detection and monitoring, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Exact cause of the spark
  • Equipment model and age
  • Duration of supply interruption
  • Cost of repairs

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

Source

kcbd.com

Published 2026-09-21. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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