Transformer fails, 19,000 lost power

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) - Approximately 19,000 were without power for about an hour on Sunday night after the failure of a transformer at a Round Rock power substation.

At 7:10 p.m. a large column of black smoke rose into the sky and could be seen dozens of miles away. The smoke dissipated after about 20 minutes.

According to Connie Watson, a Williamson County spokesperson, the power substation is located at County Road 172 and 1325.

An Oncor Energy representative stated that a “conductor went into a transformer” and caused a fire.

KXAN heard from people in north Austin, Wells Branch and Avery Ranch who reported outages. Street lights went black as well as businesses and homes.

"The neighborhood is up in arms," said Raul Rodriguez, who lost power. "It's the opening weekend of the NFL and we are Cowboy fans and we want to watch the game. They might want to call reinforcements back here, the officers."

Officials blocked off the County Road where it meets FM 1325 to secure the area and to allow fire fighters to control the fire, which happened across the street from an apartment complex.

Watson said Oncor Energy responded to the scene to assess the situation and to aid in restoring power.

Oncor Energy said all power was restored by 8:30 p.m. for all 19,000 affected.

No injuries were reported.