More than 18K in South Austin will lose power Nov. 30, including Austin ISD | Rare Techy

More than 18,000 South Austin residents found themselves without power on the morning of Nov. 30, including schools in Austin ISD and its headquarters.

Power was restored to Austin ISD by 11 a.m., AISD announced.

Austin Energy officials said it was caused by an equipment failure at the Salem Hill substation, located north of West Stassney Lane, near Williamson Creek.

“Power has been restored to all campuses affected by this morning’s outages. Thank you for your patience as we worked with our partners at Austin Energy,” Austin ISD tweeted at 10:59 am

About an hour and a half earlier, Austin Energy’s outage map showed more than 18,000 customers without power. The power company estimated the restoration time between 10:30-11:30 a.m. As of 11:30 a.m., more than 50 customers still had problems. According to the Austin Energy outage map as of 1 p.m., all but 14 customers appear to have had power restored.

The map showed most of the damage was done south of US Hwy. 290 along William Cannon Drive, Stassney Lane, South Congress Avenue and South First Street. According to ASD, the following campuses were affected:

• Crockett High School
• Ann Richards School for Girls Leaders
• Sunset Valley Elementary School
• Joslin Elementary School
• Cunningham Elementary School
• St Elmo’s Primary School
• Odom Elementary School

The main office for AISD was hit by a power outage. However, district officials said classes will continue and food will be provided to students.

Austin Energy has several tips to stay safe during an outage:

• Avoid downed power lines;
• Check the damage if it can be done safely;
• Use candles or candles;
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed;
• Turn off all major appliances such as air and pumps; a
• Report an outage by calling 512-322-9100 or by visiting the company online at www.outagemap.austinenergy.com.