Enemalta explains widespread power cuts

Multiple high voltage faults in the distribution system led to many interruptions in the power supply, Enemalta said yesterday.

The corporation said it took immediate action to rectify the faults.

On Wednesday at 2.11 p.m. a fault occurred on an 11KV underground cable supplying Marsa, causing outages in parts of the locality. The supply was restored by 4.15 p.m.

The same evening at 9.09 p.m. a fault developed on another 11KV underground feeder at Marsa, with supply being again restored by 12.50 a.m.

On the same day at 10.10 p.m. a fault occurred on a 33KV underground cable supplying parts of Paceville and Sliema causing supply outages in these areas.

Supply was restored by 11.40 p.m.

However, as a result of this fault a number of areas were subject to interruptions throughout the following day due to cable overloads on the remaining feeders. The cable was repaired and put back in service at about 5 a.m. yesterday.

On Thursday at 8.45 a.m. a fault occurred on another 11KV underground feeder at Marsa leading to prolonged outages in parts of Marsa where previous faults had occurred on two other cables. The supply was restored by 7.30 p.m.

On the same day, at 1.20 p.m. there was an 11KV fault at San Gwann leading to prolonged outages in areas of San Gwann, Pembroke, Paceville and Sliema. The supply was restored by 11.50 p.m.

Another fault occurred on an 11KV cable in Mellieha at 3.15 p.m. causing an interruption in the area. The supply was restored by 6.11 p.m.

These cable faults have been investigated and were the result of cable defects which developed over a lengthy period of time, Enemalta said.

The corporation said it regretted any inconvenience caused by the interruptions.