Second Wave of Outages Rolls Across Darien [Updated]

Update, 7:15 p.m.: CL&P reports that all but 9 customers have had their power restored in Darien.

Update, 6:12 p.m.: Still 759 customers without power in Darien, reports CL&P.

Update, 5:19 p.m.: CL&P spokesman Mitch Gross said the cause of the current outages in Darien was a malfunction that occurred just before 4 p.m. at Stamford's Glenbrook Substation. Crews are on the scene attempting to resolve the problem.

"Customers should start to see their power coming back in the next few hours," Gross told Patch. The company's goal is to have all customers back online by tonight, he said.

The geographic extent of the outages is not known, though Patch has received reports of blackouts around Casement Street, along the Darien/Norwalk border, and in the vicinity of Trader Joe's.

Update, 5:09 p.m.: The number of customers without power in Darien hit 773 at 5:05 p.m., up slightly from 771 the hour before.

Original story: A second wave of power outages swept across Darien Tuesday afternoon, leaving nearly 800 customers—or 9.9% of the town—without electricity on the hottest day yet of the year.

Earlier in the day, some 414 customers—including Whole Foods and the Darien Library—were left without power due to an equipment failure on West Avenue, but power was restored to most or all within a few hours.

Various weather outlets pegged highs in Darien at anywhere from 97° to to 103° on the day, placing significant strain on the power grid as air many conditioners ran at full blast.

Those seeking relief from the heat are encouraged to go to Town Hall (open until 11 p.m.) or the Darien Library (open until 9 p.m.), both of which are air conditioned. The YMCA will also be open to the public after 4:00 p.m. for showers.

Residents may contact Darien Police's routine number (203-662-5300) for further after-hours cooling center information. Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency.