DC Power Outage: Pepco Substation Failure Darkens Foggy Bottom, GW Cancels Classes; Power Restored

Power is back on in Washington, D.C.’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood after a problem at a Pepco substation left more than 1,000 customers in the dark for much of Monday, Nov. 2, and forced George Washington University to cancel classes.

Pepco said in a 2 p.m. update that crews had restored power to all affected customers, WTOP reported, and WUSA9 said power was fully back by about 2:15 p.m.

What caused the DC power outage?

Pepco has not said. Earlier in the day the utility described a “developing” situation at its I Street Substation, and WUSA9 reported that Pepco’s outage map attributed the outage to a “failure at our substation.”

“The cause of the outage remains under investigation. At this time, there is no indication of foul play,” a Pepco spokesperson said, according to both outlets.

D.C. Fire and EMS responded after reports of smoke coming from multiple manholes in the area, WUSA9 reported.

How many people lost power in Washington, DC?

As of 10:15 a.m., Pepco’s outage map showed 1,176 customers without power around 23rd Street NW and I Street NW, near the GW campus, according to WUSA9. WTOP put the total at about 1,100 customers. Pepco initially estimated power would return by 11 a.m., then pushed that to around 2 p.m.

The WTOP Traffic Center reported dark traffic signals at numerous intersections in the area, and Pepco asked people to stay away from work areas for their safety.

George Washington University classes canceled

The outage hit dozens of buildings on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus, including residence halls, Gelman Library, the University Student Center, Lisner Auditorium and the Smith Center, according to a list published by WUSA9.

GW canceled all in-person and remote classes until noon. In an afternoon update, the university said activities at its Virginia Science and Technology campus and its Arlington and Alexandria education centers would resume, School of Medicine and Health Sciences activity at Ross Hall would resume in person, and GW Law would continue online only. All other academic activities were suspended for the rest of Monday, WUSA9 reported.

Dining halls at Thurston Hall, District House and Shenkman Hall were unavailable, while dining on the Mount Vernon campus remained open, the university said.

What to do during a power outage in DC

Pepco customers can report outages by calling 877-737-2662, WTOP noted. GW students and staff should watch the university’s Campus Advisories page and email for updates on Tuesday’s schedule.

WUSA9 also noted that even short outages can disrupt communication, medical devices, water access and food storage, so it is worth being prepared.