Failed transformer at Entergy substation results in fire; no injuries reported

Published 11:20 am Wednesday, April 29, 2020

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PORT NECHES — A transformer failed in Entergy’s Port Neches Bulk substation Tuesday night, sparking a loud boom and resulting fire.

Andy Schonert, communications manager for Entergy Texas, said crews isolated the issue and restored power to all customers.

The cause of the incident is being investigated.

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Krystal Medlock, manager of marketing and digital communications with Indorama Ventures, said at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday the Entergy Bulk substation distribution yard had a transformer explosion and subsequent fire. The distribution yard is within an Entergy easement at the Indorama Ventures Port Neches plant.

The substation provides power to Port Neches and Groves, as well as some power to the plant.

The Indorama Fire Brigade and the Port Neches Fire Department responded. Entergy-supplied electrical power to the Indorama Facility was affected, which resulted in some units being taken offline.

There was no danger to the facility or surrounding community, officials said.

Entergy associates are onsite as well. There were no observed injuries or environmental releases.

Last year Huntsman Corp. announced the pending sale of its chemical intermediates and surfactants businesses, including the Port Neches site, to Thailand-based Indorama Ventures for $2.1 billion.

The Port Neches site was one of five being sold. The others include Texas sites in Dayton and Chocolate Bayou as well as international sites in Ankleshwar, India; and Botany, Australia.