Update on cause of widespread JEA power outage
JACKSON, Tenn. — The day after a widespread power outage in areas across Jackson, the Jackson Energy Authority says it has better determined the cause.
Initially, a spokesman said a main TVA line had gone out. However, after further inspection the utility determined the problem originated within its system at the Carriage House substation.
According to Robert Mullins, JEA’s Senior Manager of Operations, fans that cool the transformer in the substation failed to automatically turn on, causing the substation to overheat and shut down. The automatic safety precaution caused the TVA line to go out.
That chain reaction led to other substations shutting down in an effort to protect themselves, leading to almost 5,000 people without power for up to two hours Thursday night. All power was restored by around 10 p.m.
