North Raleigh residents in the dark for Christmas after blackout

Residents in building 4133 of the Bridgeport Apartments on Lake Lynn Drive said power began going off and on last week before a total blackout happened.

"First the heat went out, then the stove, and the microwave stopped working," said resident Lewis Glaspie.

Some residents stayed in their homes through colder temperatures earlier this week, while others went to local hotels or stayed with friends and family.

"It was freezing. I just stayed in bed. It was too cold to do anything else," said resident Evelyn McKinnon.

"I wasn't able to keep my son with me, so I had to go to family and friends to get them to help and then also, I work from hom so I was unable to work from home," said Glaspie.

McKinnon said the timing of the blackout is frustrating for residents who had holiday plans.

“The past few days, it’s been total blackout. I was planning to cook,” she said.

Residents said that, for the most part, Bridgeport management has been sympathetic and responsive and offered to pay for hotels if needed.

"They've been very helpful to me. They even gave me a hug," said McKinnon.

Management declined to comment about what caused the power outage. Neighbors said a part was ordered that didn't work and now the holiday is delaying the repairs.

Many residents were taking the power outage in stride. They said they plan to spend Christmas with family and friends.

"It's frustrating but you just cope," said McKinnon.