D.C. Courts Closed Due to Power Outage

Most parts of the D.C. Superior Court and D.C. Court of Appeals are closed today because of a power outage affecting the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue NW.

PEPCO spokesman Bob Dobkin said two of three underground feeders, or power lines, that serve the court complex are out of service. One went down Saturday; the second went down Monday afternoon.

Officials said the lone remaining line does not provide enough electricity to operate security equipment or allow the building to function.

"They really can't run the entire building with just one feeder," Dobkin said.

PEPCO crews have been working to restore power, and Dobkin said they hoped to have at least one line back up by tonight.

For now, most offices and courtrooms are not operating, and jurors need not report for duty, spokeswoman Leah Gurowitz said.

Those who are in the middle of trials or other proceedings should return to the courthouse tomorrow, assuming the power is back on. Those who had been summoned to begin jury duty today should await notices in the mail rescheduling their service.

Grand juries, which meet at the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia at 555 4th Street NW, will not be affected by the power outage, Gurowitz said.

Presentments and arraignments scheduled for today at the courthouse are still taking place at the courtroom that is open, Gurowitz said.

The exact reason the feeder lines failed is not yet clear, Dobkin said. The problem occurred underground near 6th and E Streets NW. Repairs have been hampered somewhat by mud and water generated from recent snow and ice storms.

Dobkin said utility crews in general have struggled with the impact of salt, brine and other materials that are used on the streets to combat winter weather.

"All this washes into the manholes, and they're corrosive chemicals and it has an impact," Dobkin said. "I can't say conclusively that that was the cause of this one. All I can say is we do see these type of problems following that type of weather."