Certain localities in Malta and Gozo have experienced power cuts over the last few days. A substantial number of people have contacted this newspaper complaining that their home was without electricity for a number of hours. Some power cuts occurred during the night, leaving families melting in the hot temperatures without air-conditioning or a fan.
Power cuts were reported in various localities, including Zurrieq, parts of Birkirkara and St Paul’s Bay. The cuts normally lasted for a few hours and only certain parts of the localities were affected.
Contacted by this newspaper, an Enemalta spokesperson said the company was aware of such issues. However, he explained that the power cuts were minimal, below the normal electricity grid issues.
The Malta Independent yesterday reported how the ‘Lucifer’ heatwave has led to a record electricity demand.
The electricity load peaked at a staggering 460 megawatts over the last days. Peak electricity grid load is the greatest quantity of energy distributed through the national electricity network, to Enemalta’s customers, at any one time.
Last week’s new all-time high is 13 megawatts higher than the peak reached two weeks ago, as more customers are turning to electricity to keep homes, businesses and other buildings cool for summer.
Previously, the all-time peak grid load stood at 438 megawatts, registered two years ago, in July 2015.
What they said on the social media
- Power cut on days like these. Could it get any worse?
- Power Cut. How widespread? #notamused
- Another power cut. Our power station is Made in China. Instead of forward we are going backwards.
- The (LNG) gas must have run out because we are without power again!