Arcing power lines leave Fargo residents without heat during brutal cold

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) — More than 50 Fargo residents were left without heat Sunday night, January 25, after arcing power lines caused a complete power outage during the coldest temperatures of the season.

The outage affected 54 homes in a neighborhood near 9th Street, according to Xcel Energy. Residents went without heat for more than three hours as crews worked in sub-zero temperatures to restore power.

“I was watching the football game last night, and at 6:33, everything popped, we could hear the transformer pop. Lost lights, lost TV, lost power,” said LaurieBeth Hager, one of the affected residents.

As the outage continued, residents began taking steps to stay warm.

“9 o’clock is when it started getting more critical in my mind,” Hager said. “I put on a light coat about 8:45, about two hours in. I had my big boots on.”

Fargo Fire responded to the scene for 15 minutes, while Xcel Energy crews worked for three hours in the cold to restore power and heat to the neighborhood.

Homes in this neighborhood were built many years ago, which worried residents, like Hager, about her neighbors.

“My home was built in 1904, so not very well insulated, as are many of my neighbors homes so it was a very concerning issue,” she added.

As of today, January 26, both power and heat have been completely restored. Residents are expressing gratitude for the crews’ work during the dangerous conditions.

“I’m very thankful that they did take it seriously and that the 54 homes in this neighborhood were just as important as bigger spots in town,” Hager said.

The cause of the arcing was listed as unplanned by Xcel Energy.

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