The New York City blackout of 1977 came at a low point in New York history, when the city was facing a financial crisis and being terrorized by the "Son of Sam" murderer. The blackout lasted only one night, but when it was over, a record 3,776 people had been arrested, and looting, vandalism, and arson had caused an estimated $300 million worth of damage. The chain of events that sparked the blackout began when the power failed in Westchester County. What caused this initial power failure?