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NEWS
Birds could be responsible for outage
HUNTINGTON -- A couple of dead birds found at a Huntington substation may have caused a major power outage Monday morning, officials said.
The outage affected electricity to an estimated 3,300 customers, including four schools and portions of Marshall University.
Phil Moye, a spokesman for American Electric Power, said officials believe the birds, found by repairmen, may have made contact with an energized piece of equipment. A shut down followed to protect equipment, much like a breaker is programmed to shut down in a house.
"It's a rare thing, but it does happen," he said.
Moye said officials install noise devices and extra lighting in spots where animal interference occurs more often.
Electricity was restored about 7:30 a.m. It coincided with the restoration of cable service in the area. There was no word whether the outages were connected.
The power outage affected 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue downtown. It was more widespread near Marshall University and the city's eastern end.
Cabell County school officials canceled classes at Enslow Middle School and Highlawn Elementary. Staff members were told to report. St. Joseph Grade School and High School also closed to students, along with Fifth Avenue Baptist Child Care Center.
Marshall University, which was starting its spring semester on Monday, was affected south of 5th Avenue. The university opted to start the semester on time.
