More than 3,000 Binghamton NYSEG Customers Lose Electric Service

A power outage disrupted things for thousands of people in the city of Binghamton.

The electric service disruption started just after noon on Wednesday. A NYSEG spokesperson said utility crews were working to determine the cause of the outage.

About 3,100 customers on Binghamton's East Side were affected by the power interruption, which lasted for 46 minutes.

Lights flickered across much of Binghamton around 12:02 p.m. Although the power remained on downtown, the momentary glitch caused some internet and other communication problems. Operations of WNBF Radio and other Townsquare Media stations were disrupted for a time.

People working near the intersection of the Brandywine Highway and Frederick Street reported hearing a loud boom that sounded like an explosion. Dark smoke poured from a small building that houses a generator to provide backup power for a city pumping station at the site.

City workers said the smoke was emitted as the generator kicked on. They said there was no explosion or fire.

Traffic signals weren't operating at many intersections. Police officers were dispatched to direct traffic at some of the busiest spots. Public works crews placed stop signs at some intersections.

Some stores on the city's East Side closed for a time due to the outage. The inside of the Walgreens location on Robinson Street was mostly dark, although emergency lights were activated. The store remained open only for urgent cash transactions.

VIDEO: City public works employees at a pump station and backup generator facility on January 31, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.