Transformer problem knocks out Burns-area power

A transformer problem at a substation knocked out power for more than an hour to about 2,500 Burns-Hines area homes and businesses Wednesday night, a utility official said.

The Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative reported a problem with an Idaho Power transformer knocked the Hines substation off-line around 7:22 p.m., at time when temperatures had plunged to the single digits.

The substation is where Idaho Power’s system interfaces with the co-op’s, said Steve Schauer, director of member and program services for the cooperative.

The power was back on by about 8:45 p.m., Schauer said, adding that Idaho Power crews would be called in to help determine the cause of the outage.