VEC says transformer blowout caused Sunday power outage

CROSSVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Volunteer Energy Cooperative says a spectacular looking electrical explosion caused the outage Sunday on Crossville.

Residents reported seeing the night sky light up and hearing a boom.

The utility says a high voltage switch failed, causing overhead lines to fall onto transformers at the Crossville substation.

This knocked out power to 17,500 customers just as snow was falling.

About half of them were restored in a couple of hours, but the final repairs weren’t completed until 4PM.
VEC wishes to thank our consumer members for their patience and encouraging words.