Transformer Malfunction Causes Widespread Power Outage in Raleigh

A campus power outage disrupted classes and communications at Shaw University on

Friday, March 20, after a malfunctioning transformer near downtown Raleigh left multiple

buildings without electricity. The outage, which primarily affected the Debnam Building and

surrounding areas, forced the cancellation of classes and interrupted internet and phone

services across parts of campus. According to Dr. Vanessa Moone, who provided real-time updates through a campuswide GroupMe chat, the issue stemmed from a transformer connected to a power line just outside the Robert Science parking lot along Wilmington Street. “As a result, the campus has been affected. Those effects range from power being out in multiple buildings and a disruption to phone lines and Internet connections.” Moone wrote in one of several updates shared with students and staff. Utility crews from Duke Energy arrived on the scene shortly after the outage began to assess the damage and begin repairs. Initial findings indicated that the transformer malfunction was caused by a squirrel that came into contact with the equipment, triggering the failure and resulting in a power outage.

By mid-afternoon, crews were still working to restore full service as students and faculty

adjusted to the unexpected disruption. The outage showed the campus’s reliance on consistent

electricity and internet access, primarily for academic work. For many students, the timing of the

outage added to their stress. Freshman business major Jordan Ellis said the blackout came just

as he was trying to submit an online assignment. “I had just got done finishing my assignment,

as soon as I clicked add file, my computer froze up,” Jordan said. “I did still turn it in on my

phone.” Other students were more fortunate. Freshman psychology major Aaliyah Brown said

she had already submitted her assignments before the outage began. “I ain't have to worry

about nothing,” Aaliyah said. “I turned everything in earlier in the week to get it over with, so

when the power went out, I didn’t have to worry. But I know a lot of people who were stressed.”

The disruption extended beyond academics, affecting communication across campus as phone

lines and Wi-Fi networks went down. Students reported difficulty contacting professors and

accessing course materials during the outage.

University officials encouraged patience as crews worked to resolve the issue and

restore normal operations. Updates continued to be shared through alternative communication

channels as internet access remained inconsistent. Incidents involving wildlife interfering with

electrical infrastructure are not uncommon, particularly in urban areas where power lines

intersect with natural habitats. In this case, the unexpected cause showed how a single point of

failure can have widespread effects on a connected campus environment. Power was gradually

restored a couple of days later, and university operations began returning to normal. Classes in

affected areas are expected to resume in the coming week. While the outage was temporary, its

impact was immediate, disrupting academic schedules and exposing the challenges students

face when technology-dependent systems suddenly fail.