SMUD substation fire causes power outage for 1,300 customers in downtown area

A fire at a Sacramento Municipal Utility District substation Dec. 14 caused significant damage, leading the utility to de-energize the substation and resulting in 1,300 customers losing power in the downtown area.

The fire started around 11:47 am PT Dec. 14 at SMUD's substation A, located at 6th and H streets, according to a SMUD statement.

No injuries were reported and the root cause of the fire is being investigated, according to a SMUD statement.

Power was not restored Dec. 14 because of the damage and SMUD is recommending backup generators for those who have them, according to the statement.

SMUD is actively working to assess the damage and is calling all affected customers and will provide updates as appropriate.

NP15 on-peak real-time locational marginal prices have averaged 55.41/MWh so far this month, a 56% jump from the December 2020 average, according to S&P Global Platts data.