Overview

• A transformer at the Diversey and Cicero substation failed around 10 p.m. Wednesday, cutting power to about 800 Belmont Cragin customers and contributing to roughly 4,900 outages citywide.
• ComEd crews brought in backup generators and reserves to restore 83% of outages within an hour and fully returned service by 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
• Facing high humidity and temperatures that barely dipped below 80 °F, residents sought relief in basements, cars, backyard pools and public cooling centers.
• The utility has ruled out heat stress and grid overload as causes and is continuing an investigation into the equipment malfunction.
• Cooling centers operated by the City of Chicago and Cook County remain open for residents during ongoing heat advisories.