BWL Provides Update on Outages Related to E. Lansing Train Accident

The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is expected to restore electric service tonight to the majority of East Lansing customers who lost power following an incident with a train and high winds this morning.

Around 11am today, an eastbound train crossing Hagadorn Rd. near Michigan State University’s campus entangled with a wire, causing approximately 30 BWL power poles to break along Hagadorn Rd. between Grand River Ave. and Mt. Hope Ave. causing more than 4,000 customers to lose power.

“We know power outages are an inconvenience, and our crews are working hard to get everyone’s power restored quickly and safely following this morning’s train accident,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. “We expected all but two customers to be restored tonight, however, we found more damage than anticipated and believe around 60 customers will remain without power overnight.”

The BWL is also responding to other outages in its service territory following high winds. Fewer than 400 customers currently remain without power.

“We’ve called in mutual aid crews to help get our customers back on quickly, though we expect the full repair and replacement of our equipment such as power poles and lines will take several days,” said Peffley. “The full incident remains under investigation.”

Stay at least 25 feet from downed lines. Intersections with traffic signals out should be treated as 4-way stops.

Customers should report power outages and downed lines by calling 877-295-5001. Outages can also be reported by visiting the Outage Center at www.lbwl.com/outagecenter, using the BWL Outage Center mobile app or texting “out” or “outage” to 898295 or txtbwl. Updates will also be posted on the BWL Facebook page and Twitter.