Transformer malfunction knocks out power to 16,000

Xcel Energy has restored power to 16,000 customers in the Twin Cities metro area Friday afternoon, after a transformer failure interrupted service in parts of St. Paul and surrounding suburbs this morning.

Utility crews were working on a transformer at a substation when a backup transformer failed. The malfunction knocked out power in parts of Landfall, Maplewood, Oakdale, St. Paul and Woodbury shortly before noon. The company restored power at about 2 p.m.

Xcel Energy spokeswoman Patty Nystuen said the company will continue to investigate what caused the transformer to malfunction.

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