This is to provide an update and additional information regarding today's power outage. The problem was successfully fixed at approximately 1:00 pm and power has been restored to affected areas.
The outage this morning was due to an unexpected equipment failure on the 21,000-volt (21kv) electrical system that powers the upper campus. A failing underground switch was discovered, and the potential for serious electrical system damage and power outage was imminent. In order to correct the problem, power was temporarily shut down in affected areas so that emergency repairs could be done.
Coincidentally, work was already planned this week to reroute the 21kv cables bypassing the switch. Unfortunately, the switch began to fail before this work could be accomplished. Now that the switch has been corrected, work will continue on this part of the campus electrical system to bypass other suspect equipment on the 21kv, system. Physical Plant does not anticipate further problems, and pending some other system failure, this work is not expected to result in power loss to the campus.
For your information, a new switch will be installed in December 2008 as part of campus electrical infrastructure improvements. This upgrade will improve the campuses electrical infrastructure and minimize power failures in the future. As always, we recognize the inconvenience such outages cause for campus operations, and appreciate the patience and understanding of impacted campus community members.
If you have any questions, please contact the Physical Plant work-order desk at 459-4444 and they will direct you to the appropriate person.
