UO power outage final update

And just in time for the first week of classes: No power in the dorms. Here’s the latest update from the UO.

Power outage at University of Oregon impacts on-campus residents

Work will continue around the clock to restore power to campus

Eugene, Ore. (Jan. 7, 2013) — A power failure occurred today across the southwest section of the University of Oregon campus, the result of a series of malfunctions that were reported from the underground tunnels that deliver utility services through the 295-acre campus.

No one was injured in the incident, which resulted in visible smoke above ground and inside the University Health Center. The Health Center was evacuated and a two-block section of Agate Street – from 13th to 15th avenues – was closed for approximately two hours.

Campus Operations is working as quickly as possible to restore electricity to all affected buildings and repairs have already brought power back to many. However, several buildings are still without power, including many UO Housing residence and dining halls, including Carson Hall, Hamilton Hall, Bean Hall, Living Learning Center, Earl Hall and Walton Hall.

As a residential campus, more than 4,000 students live on campus and their safety is a top priority, said Michael Griffel, director of University Housing.

“Heat, fire systems and lighting are necessary for a safe living environment,” he said. “As such, we are planning to provide lighting assistance and additional campus safety officer presence this evening for approximately 3,000 students impacted by this outage.”

The location of the power transmission feeder failure was inspected by Eugene Fire Department and UO Campus Operations officials who described the failure as an overheating issue that caused the electrical circuits to ignite and melt.

Students, faculty and staff were notified via emergency notification channels about the incident and updates continue during the restoration of power. Latest information is posted at alerts.uoregon.edu.

“We are working as quickly as possible to safely restore all power to affected areas of campus,” said George Hecht, associate vice president for Campus Operations. “Getting power back to the affected buildings, especially residence halls and research facilities, is a top priority to alleviate issues.”

Additional student programming is planned on campus, including a BCS Championship Game watch party and activities at the Student Recreation Center and Erb Memorial Union.