ESCANABA, MI-- Escanaba officials have declared a state of emergency after a substation exploded at the city power plant early Monday morning, causing an area-wide power outage.
City and emergency officials held a press conference Monday afternoon to update the public on measures they’re taking to help ease the situation.
City Manager Jim O’Toole says rolling blackouts will be implemented so the substation on the western side of Escanaba can handle the load until the substation that exploded can be fixed.
Officials are asking residents to use their power sparingly in the meantime, except when it comes to heat. Department of Public Safety Captain Jamie Segorski says residents can keep their thermostats higher, so when the power goes out their homes will stay warmer longer. Those who need to can go to various warming centers like the Escanaba Civic Center, where the Red Cross is providing cots.
Officials say the soonest power could possibly be restored would be in 18 to 24 hours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNhHcDAEYis&feature=share
A video of the substation fire taken by YouTube user "nosenseracing" Monday around 1:20 a.m.
