Substation Fire Knocks Out Power
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For thousands of electric customers in parts of South and Southeast Madison County a power failure could not have come at a worst time as temperatures hovered around the century mark, Thursday afternoon. According to a spokesman for Southwest Tennessee Electric, an electric substation, located on Perry Switch Road in south Jackson was knocked off-line around 3 after one of the substation’s breakers caught fire. Jackson Firefighters were called to the scene after receiving calls of fire and smoke coming from the substation. Approximately 2,000 Southwest Customers were without power as crews worked for several hours to reroute power form surrounding substations. Leaders at Southwest Electric said the damage was extensive and it may be weeks before the substation can be put back on line. It is unknown what caused the fire, however an investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Southwest Tennessee Electric leaders are asking customers who live in South and Southeast Madison County to curtail their air conditioning and electric use between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. until further notice.
