CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Electricity services for 1,500 Appalachian Power customers in Sissonville went out Wednesday morning after a squirrel interfered with live services.
The incident happened at the utility’s Sissonville substation.
Appalachian Power spokesman Phil Moye said problems like this become more prevalent as fall approaches.
“What happens is with animals and particularly squirrels in substations is part of their body will touch an energized piece of equipment, and another part of their body will still be on the ground,” he said. “When that happens, electricity travels through the squirrel and it causes our breaker to operate and it interrupts power.”
Services were restored after 90 minutes.