Damage to a transformer in the downtown Berkeley Springs power substation on Harrison Avenue interrupted Friday plans for many businesses and individuals in the middle of the day. Flames on the power equipment were seen by those in the area as electricity went out of service in the central part of Berkeley Springs for a few hours.
Potomac Edison was able to restore power sooner than expected, getting lights and air conditioning back on by shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31.
According to Will Boye, spokesman for Potomac Edison/First Energy, the cause of the transformer fire was equipment at the site.
“The fire occurred shortly after 3 pm on Friday due to a regulator failure at an area substation. The substation was deenergized for our crews to safely extinguish the fire, and service was restored to the 1,173 affected customers at 5:44 pm. The regulator was replaced later that evening,” Boye said.
Flames shut down power from the Potomac Edison power substation on Harrison Avenue on Friday, July 31.
photo by Andy Stotler
