Transformer fire at Whiting substation causes power outage
EIR-1326Provisional entry. Published from first reports. This entry is rechecked automatically and updated when more sources appear. Next update: 26 September 2026.
What happened
On 15 January 2018, a transformer fire at a JCP&L electrical substation in Whiting left nearly 4,200 customers without power for part of the afternoon. Fire crews and power crews extinguished the fire and restored power within a few hours. The cause was not reported.
Contributing factors
The cause of the transformer fire was not reported.
Lessons learned
- A substation transformer fire can cut supply to thousands of customers within minutes.
- Rapid coordination between the fire service and the network operator can limit how long the outage lasts.
- Operators should plan for customer welfare during even a short winter outage, including whether a warming centre is needed.
Published 2026-09-26. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.