Warren, Rhode Island – On Friday morning, a Rhode Island Energy employee suffered an electrical contact while working at the Warren substation. The incident forced the utility to shut down power in the immediate area as a safety precaution.

Impact on customers

The outage disrupted service for approximately 2,600 residential and commercial customers throughout Warren. Customers reported loss of lighting, refrigeration, and internet service until power was restored later in the day.

Response and restoration

Utility crews responded quickly, following established emergency protocols to isolate the affected equipment and begin repairs. Within a few hours, power had been fully restored to all affected accounts, and service interruptions were declared resolved.

Employee safety and medical care

The injured worker was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Rhode Island Energy confirmed that the employee’s condition was stable and that the hospital’s staff were providing appropriate care.

Utility safety measures

Rhode Island Energy emphasized its commitment to employee safety and reliable service. The company noted that all field personnel receive regular training on electrical safety, personal protective equipment, and emergency response procedures. When an incident occurs, the utility’s safety team conducts a thorough investigation to determine the cause and to implement any needed corrective actions.

Community reassurance

Local officials thanked Rhode Island Energy for its swift response and for keeping the public informed throughout the outage. Mayor of Warren, John Doe, said, “Our community relies on reliable electricity, and we appreciate the utility’s dedication to restoring service quickly while prioritizing the health of its workers.”

What residents can do

Residents who experience future outages are encouraged to report the incident to Rhode Island Energy’s outage hotline at 1‑800‑555‑1234 or via the company’s online outage map. The utility also advises customers to keep flashlights, batteries, and non‑perishable food on hand for unexpected power interruptions.

Rhode Island Energy continues to monitor the Warren substation to ensure stable operation and to prevent further disruptions. The company will provide updates as needed and remains committed to delivering safe, reliable electricity to the Warren community.

Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.