May 2, 2025

Power Outages Disrupt College Station Events on May 1

News Summary

On May 1, 2025, two power outages in College Station affected about 4,000 customers during the May First Friday event. The outages stemmed from issues at the Greens Prairie substation, leading to concerns across neighborhoods and businesses. Meanwhile, the community engaged in festive activities, with the upcoming Troubadour Festival anticipated to further enhance local culture. Additional developments included a push by the Brazos Valley Food Bank to revive essential programs and the College Station City Council’s approval of new capital projects.

Bryan-College Station — Two power outages disrupted service in College Station on May 1, 2025, coinciding with the festivities of the May First Friday event taking place that day. The outages affected approximately 4,000 customers, including businesses and neighborhoods, raising concerns amidst ongoing community activities.

The first outage occurred in the morning, impacting about 1,000 customers in the Tower Point area for around 20 minutes. The second outage took place in the afternoon, affecting 3,000 customers, primarily in the Castlegate neighborhood. The outages were traced back to issues at the Greens Prairie substation, with a city spokesperson reporting that the first outage was caused by a burned-up connection due to an equipment failure in a power transformer bay.

Crew members quickly restored power by rerouting affected customers to a different feeder. Details surrounding the cause of the equipment failure remain unclear, though incidents like these can manifest even on sunny days, often linked to wildlife interference.

Coinciding with the power disruptions, the May First Friday event brought local citizens together to enjoy a variety of activities in downtown Bryan. With the city’s tourism office partnering with local organizations, the event showcased what the community has to offer, promoting camaraderie and cultural engagement.

Looking ahead, the Troubadour Festival is set for May 16, 2025, also in downtown Bryan. This anticipated event will feature an array of live music, contributing to the vibrant local cultural scene and encouraging visitor engagement and participation from residents.

In broader community news, the Brazos Valley Food Bank expressed the hope to reinstate Trade Mitigation Programs that had previously been operational during the early Trump administration. The organization aims to enhance its role as a trusted partner in ensuring essential resources reach those in need, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, families, seniors, and veterans.

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture reportedly spending approximately $370 million daily on nutrition and food programs, effective allocation and use of these resources are viewed as critical for community welfare according to the Agriculture Secretary.

Additionally, the College Station City Council has approved the formation of committees for two significant capital projects aimed at improving community facilities. The first project involves the design of new ballfields at Veterans Park, while the second will focus on assessing the feasibility of constructing a new recreation center.

On May 1, the National Weather Service also issued a Tornado Watch for 17 counties, including Brazos County. This watch began shortly before 2:30 p.m. and was scheduled to remain in effect until 9 p.m., prompting alerts and precautions for local residents.

In the realm of cultural events, the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana is slated to embark on a residency in the Outer Banks throughout May. Supported by several local cultural organizations, their schedule includes performances during the First Friday event in downtown Manteo, aiming to foster cultural exchange and awareness through artistic expression.

As the community navigates through these power outages and embraces upcoming events, local leaders remain focused on addressing infrastructure and resources to support ongoing needs and engagement among residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Destruction Across U.S.
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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