WE Energies Power Outage Disrupts Milwaukee Theater District, Leads to Multiple Show Cancellations

WE Energies Power Outage Disrupts Milwaukee Theater District

A power outage at WE Energies’ Valley Power Plant caused significant heating problems in Milwaukee’s downtown theater district on the afternoon of December 13. This disruption forced the Marcus Performing Arts Center to cancel several afternoon shows, including notable performances such as The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza and The Nutcracker.

The Valley Power Plant supplies steam heat to key downtown venues, including the Marcus Performing Arts Center, Fiserv Forum, Pabst Theater, and the Baird Center. Without steam, these buildings experienced critical heating failures, compromising both comfort and safety during public events.

WE Energies spokesperson Alison Trouy explained that the outage resulted from an interruption in the natural gas supply to the power plant. This disruption halted steam production temporarily, affecting many customers reliant on the facility for heating. Trouy confirmed that the issue has since been resolved and steam service was fully restored by the afternoon.

Currently, WE Energies reports no expectation of further steam outages in the downtown area. The company continues to monitor its systems closely to prevent future interruptions and minimize impact on customers.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center addressed the cancellations on social media, informing patrons promptly and apologizing for the inconvenience. Multiple performances had to be called off to ensure the comfort and safety of audiences affected by the heating failure.

Below is a summary of the key venues impacted and events canceled:

1. Marcus Performing Arts Center: Several afternoon performances canceled.
2. Fiserv Forum: Experienced heating disruptions.
3. Pabst Theater: Affected by halted steam supply.
4. Baird Center: Heating compromised during the outage.

This incident highlights the critical role of the Valley Power Plant in supporting Milwaukee’s downtown cultural venues. Reliable energy infrastructure remains essential for maintaining uninterrupted operations in the city’s entertainment district.

WE Energies emphasized ongoing efforts to maintain stable heating and energy delivery while addressing challenges that may arise from fuel supply irregularities.