A major power outage early this morning left thousands in Center Township without service, causing a blackout at the Clearview Mall.

The outage was one of several in Butler County overnight, according to West Penn Power,

As of 6 a.m., according to the company's website, 2,652 customers still had no power. Of that number, 2,223 are in Center Township, which includes the mall and surrounding area.

The primary outage on and around the Route 8 corridor known as North Main Street Extension between Center and Butler townships appeared to have happened about 1:30 a.m. or so.

It also knocked out power to homes at least two miles north of the mall on Route 308 and nearby. The affected area continued south on Route 8 beyond the mall for at least another mile.

In Butler Township, 236 customers are without electricity.

Company officials could not immediately be reached for comment about what caused the massive loss of power.

The website blames the outage on “equipment damage.” Service was to be restored around 7 a.m.

Other smaller outages are affecting customers in Butler, Oakland and Summit townships, and West Sunbury and Slippery Rock.

Power in those areas are to be restored soon, too, according to the company.