NORWICH—Shortly before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, a reported transformer explosion and subsequent fire meant lights out for nearly 3,000 NYSEG electric utility customers.

The incident occurred in the area of 185 Hale Road, just outside the city of Norwich limits off State Highway 23, but the effects of the failed transformer could be felt in a 30-plus-mile radius, with service interruptions from Otselic and Pharsalia to Guilford.

Customers as far away as County Road 34, Chenango Lake and South Plymouth were without power for an extended period of time while NYSEG engineers worked to swap out the faulty equipment. The City of Norwich Fire Department was on scene to handle traffic control and bystanders while NYSEG was en route.