Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Faulty transformer led to power outage

WAKEFIELD - A faulty transformer at Xcel Energy's Ironwood substation led to the 26-hour power outage in parts of Wakefield on Jan. 23-24, according to city manager Margot Anderson.

She said Tuesday the transformer that went down has since been replaced by Xcel.

Anderson explained why Wakefield was one of the last communities to be completely restored to power.

"When power is not available through Xcel's lines, no city action at the substation can be taken to restore power," she said.

She noted Xcel is responsible for providing electricity to the Wakefield's substation.

As a result, Anderson said Wakefield employees went to work to address other infrastructure needs, such as filling the water tank and taking action to prevent flooding by pumping sewage and wastewater. "These are not small tasks to do manually," she said.

Once Xcel gave the city of Wakefield permission to proceed, efforts were made to restore power and by the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24, about 60 percent of city residents had electricity restored.

"For the other 40 percent, the process took 12 hours longer," Anderson said.

Technicians determined the Wakefield substation was not programmed to restore power to a cold system automatically.

"It was a complex, multi-faceted problem," Anderson said.

Meanwhile, an emergency response plan was enacted by city and county officials and the Wakefield Municipal Building was opened to provide information and a warming station, and the ability to sustain oxygen for those who needed it.

There were cots on standby.

Anderson said city officials learned the emergency response plan needs to be updated and communication with state police and mutual aid agreements "are vital."

As Gogebic County Sheriff Peter Matonich pointed out to the county board of supervisors last week, officials also learned because of federal privacy laws, the fire department can no longer require residents who are on oxygen to report to the city. If they wish to be checked, they can contact the city and a list will be provided to the emergency coordinator, fire department and police for cross-checking.

"We were reminded that Wakefield is part of a grid. When the power goes out, the city and residents have to be prepared to wait it out," Anderson said.

After conducting a two and one-half hour review of the chain of events, the city council will meet with county emergency coordinator Jim Loeper for a regional review, she said.

The city manager also added city residents should be prepared with their own checklists, flashlights, cell phone chargers, extra food and water and fuel alternatives.

People without cell phones are especially susceptible to communication problems.

Anderson said one woman checked her entire street, from end to end, to make sure elderly residents were OK.

"During an emergency, our small city crew is focused on repairs and we need your help to check on friends and neighbors," she said.

She added an effort will be made to get a back-up power source for the municipal building.

"Every event like this is a test. It's been awhile since Wakefield was tested. We are confident that we have the employees, facilities and a world-class fire department to get through the next event, supporting every resident," Anderson said.

She thanked the employees who worked for more than 24 hours and city residents who volunteered to pitch in and help.

In any emergency, city residents should dial 911 for immediate help, the sheriff's department at (906) 667-0203 or come to the municipal building for help.

 
 
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