Transformer problem caused power outage

The Digital Media Centre at Loyalist College during the power outage on Monday afternoon. Photo by Riley Maracle

By Suzanne Coolen

BELLEVILLE – A widespread power outage that hit Belleville on Monday afternoon was caused by a transformer glitch, but the cause of a second outage at the same time, affecting outlying areas, is still not known.

Peter Hoekstra of Veridan Connections, the city’s electricity supplier, said the cause of the Belleville outage was a problem at the transformer station on Centre Street.  The cause of the outage in the areas just outside of Belleville – including Picton and Stirling – is still under investigation.

The hydro went out at about 1:30 p.m. and affected approximately 7,000 customers Power was restored to most areas by 3:30 p.m., but some residents had to wait until after the dinner hour to see service again.

Loyalist College cancelled classes and a few businesses closed their doors earlier than usual. The outage caused traffic jams around the city as motorists had to deal with traffic lights being out.