The power outage that swept across the campus on Thursday, Dec.
11, was a blessing for some as finals were canceled or made
optional, but a nightmare for others as papers were lost and
studying hindered. The Griesedieck Complex, Simon Recreation
Center, Pius XII Memorial Library, Busch Student Center and a
number of other buildings lost power shortly after 10 a.m.

A high-voltage electrical switch that served the Gries Complex
and Simon Rec failed causing a shortage that ultimately lead to an
electrical fire. The failed switch tripped the circuit breaker,
kicking Saint Louis University’s power source offline.

Last August, the University’s electric transformer failed,
leaving the campus without power.

The University and AmerenUE decided that the best and quickest
fix at the time was to bring in a mobile substation until the
transformer could be replaced.

According to Facilities Services, replacing the transformer
would have disrupted the University community, as the power would
have been out across campus for several hours.

“You do not realize how dependent you are on electricity until
you don’t have it,” said Chuck Smith, associate vice president for
Facilities Services. “A power outage affects everything.”

Chartwells moved lunch to the cafeteria of Gries, where
sandwiches and other items were prepared at Au Bon Pain earlier
that morning. Dinner was moved back to the BSC. Residents of the
Greis Complex were evacuated to the BSC until power could be
restored.

The BSC and other buildings regained power mid-afternoon. The
Gries Complex and Simon Rec did not regain power until 11 p.m.

“After the cause of the power outage was determined and
isolated, power could be restored to other buildings effected,”
Smith said.

On Friday, Dec. 26 AmerenUE made the final connection on the
substation transformer.