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Grid infrastructureUnited StatesEIR-1210

Transformer fire at We Energies substation cuts power to more than 19,000 customers

May 2018Published 24 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectrical
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
We Energies substation on Center and 30th in Milwaukee
Operator
We Energies
What
Transformer fire at substation
Cause
Remains unknown
Outcome
Outage to more than 19,000 customers for two hours

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

What happened

A fire broke out at a We Energies substation on Center and 30th in Milwaukee on 8 May 2018. Neighbours reported an explosion around 5 p.m. The initial fire caused only a brief outage before the system switched load to another transformer. When fire crews arrived, power was shut off to allow safe access, resulting in a secondary outage affecting more than 19,000 customers for approximately two hours. Power was restored by 7 p.m. The cause remains unknown.

Lessons learned

  1. A transformer fire at a substation requires rapid de-energisation before fire crews enter, so operators must confirm isolation procedures work under load.
  2. A substation fault can force load transfer to another transformer, so backup paths must be rated to prevent a secondary outage to thousands of customers.
  3. Neighbours may hear an explosion at a substation before fire crews arrive, so operators should use public reports to speed initial response.

More lessons on worker safety and safe systems of work, outages, backup supply and restoration, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Transformer model and age
  • Cost of the damage and repairs
  • Exact cause of the fire

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

Source

tmj4.com

Other entries that name Energies

Published 2026-09-24. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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