Super Bowl outage traced to relay device


Substation Relay Protection Training

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today

Superdome relay failure prompted a partial power outage after a protective relay mis-tripped between switchgear and the stadium, disrupting a high-profile game; Entergy New Orleans removed the device and is evaluating replacement equipment.

 

In This Story

A malfunctioning protective relay mis-tripped, opening a switch and causing a partial outage at the Superdome.

  • Protective relay installed between switchgear and stadium link
  • Device mis-tripped, signaling a switch to open unexpectedly
  • Partial outage occurred during a high-profile Sunday game
  • Entergy removed the relay and is evaluating replacements

 

New Orleans, La. – Entergy New Orleans, Inc. announced recently that it has traced the cause of Super Bowl’s power outage to an electrical relay device.

 

The device was specifically installed to protect the Mercedes-Benz Superdome equipment, as part of Entergy grid upgrades underway, in the event of a cable failure between the switchgear and the stadium.

While the relay functioned without issue during a number of high-profile events – including the New Orleans Bowl, the New Orleans Saints–Carolina Panthers game, and the Sugar Bowl – during Sunday’s game, the relay device triggered, signaling a switch to open when it should not have, echoing storm-related outages in Louisiana, causing the partial outage.

This device has since been removed from service, with reference to broader infrastructure safety efforts such as securing manhole caps in major cities, and new replacement equipment is being evaluated.

“While some further analysis remains, we believe we have identified and remedied the cause of the power outage and regret the interruption that occurred during what was a showcase event for the city and state,” said Charles Rice, president and chief executive officer of Entergy New Orleans, as NRC inspections at Taft highlight ongoing oversight.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and, amid debates over new power lines in Louisiana, is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. The company provides electricity to more than 160,000 customers and natural gas to more than 100,000 customers in Orleans Parish.

 

Related News

Related News

Hydro One shares jump 5.7 per cent after U.S. regulators reject $6.7B takeover

Hydro One Avista takeover rejection signals Washington regulators blocking a utility acquisition over governance risk,…
View more

Medicine Hat Grant Winners to Upgrade Grid and Use AI for Energy Savings

Medicine Hat Smart Grid AI modernizes electricity distribution with automation, sensors, and demand response, enhancing…
View more

Nova Scotia regulator approves 14% electricity rate hike, defying premier

Nova Scotia Power Rate Increase 2023-2024 approved by the UARB lifts electricity rates 14 percent,…
View more

Seattle Apartment Fire Caused by Overheated Power Strip

Seattle Capitol Hill Apartment Fire highlights an electrical fire from an overheated power strip, a…
View more

Here's what we know about the mistaken Pickering nuclear alert one week later

Pickering Nuclear Alert Error prompts Ontario investigation into the Alert Ready emergency alert system, Pelmorex…
View more

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Congratulates the Ontario Government for Taking Steps to Reduce Electricity Prices

Ontario Global Adjustment Deferral offers COVID-19 electricity bill relief to industrial and commercial consumers not…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.