Fact Finders: The mystery of the flashing lights at a substation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) — A viewer brought us a mystery to solve for this Fact Finders.

It involves flashing lights that give off a strobe light effect. The viewer says, we always notice this one electrical substation in front of Hammons Student Center. It has several strobe lights flashing different colors. Kind of cool. But why?

In the video, you can see those lights at the Monroe substation. We checked with both Missouri State University and City Utilities about this flashy look.

The substation belongs to CU. The utility tells us, CU has security and safety lighting at all facilities. They used maroon lights there at the request of MSU to coordinate with the school colors. CU installed the lights at the time of upgrades. The upgrades included lighting needs for the substation. But we’re told the lights are not designed to strobe. So, CU will be repairing the lights at the substation.

We double-checked on the light situation Wednesday night. And they’re no longer strobing.

To answer the viewer’s question, the lights are supposed to be there. But they are not supposed to be flashing.

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