An animal is to blame for citywide power outages in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An animal is to blame for a citywide power outage in East Providence, Rhode Island Energy said Thursday.

The lights temporarily went out for almost 14,000 customers. Power was restored within two hours.

Rhode Island Energy said the issue was due to “an animal contact within one of our substations in the area.”

East Providence police said they were aware of the outages, and asked residents not to call dispatch and to leave phone lines clear for emergencies.