Enemalta restored power to all areas around the island as at 1.20 pm, after an emergency interruption caused by a fire at the Kappara distribution centre earlier this morning.
At around 1030hrs, the national electricity grid experienced a disturbance causing safety systems to disrupt supply to several areas in the central part of Malta. Supply to customers started being restored to most areas within 15 minutes, but the other areas had to be switched off as a precaution to allow engineers, fire fighters and other officials to safely enter the tunnel connecting the Malta-Italy Interconnector to the national grid and check the infrastructure within.
One of three interconnector cables was damaged, among a few other cables. With the interconnector turned off, all other stations, aside from the old Marsa station, were turned on. The fire was then put out.
Minister Konrad Mizzi spoke of the importance of having a diversified energy profile, and said that the Delimara 1 had to be used, and so did the Marsa opencycle.
Executive Chairman Fredrick Azzopardi said that further disruptions might be seen later on this evening, during the 9pm peak hour, should the synchronisation between Malta and Italy encounter any difficulties.
Whilst regretting any inconvenience caused, Enemalta plc reiterated its commitment to continue investing in its electricity generation and distribution infrastructure to secure the necessary generation capacity and the electricity network flexibility to reduce the risk of service disruptions to its customers.
For personal assistance, customers are encouraged to contact the Enemalta Customer Care team on 8007 2224.The Company’s electricity generation and distribution departments are taking all necessary measures to gradually restore supply to all areas affected without putting at risk the national electricity infrastructure.
Enemalta said it regrets any inconvenience caused.
In a separate statement, the Water Services Corporation said that due to a power cut, consumers in Gzira, Sliema, Pembroke, San Gwann and surrounding areas may experience low water pressure or even a complete suspension of their water supply.
The Water Services Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
Photos Jonathan Borg