This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DWP Plant Explosion Causes Massive Power Outage In San Fernando Valley
Around 140,000 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers experienced a power outage Saturday evening, lasting over 12 hours before being fully restored Sunday morning. The outage came from an explosion at the Northridge/Reseda receiving station, according to the DWP.
The explosion caused a fire that lasted several hours, cutting out power to customers across the north side of the San Fernando Valley. It damaged transmission and distribution electrical equipment, making it more difficult to restore power, according to the DWP. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it may have come from a mechanical failure around cooling equipment, according to the L.A. Times.
Besides causing household and business power outages, most street lights weren't functional and dozens of people were trapped in elevators. Firefighters with the Los Angeles Fire Department rescued those who were trapped and extinguished the flames by 9 p.m., according to Brian Humphrey of the LAFD.
Of the original 140,000 customers without power, 50,000 had their power restored by 10 p.m. after grid operators stabilized power in nearby areas, according to the DWP. The remaining customers saw their power restored by 8:45 a.m. Sunday.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
