Power cut explained

I refer to the letter regarding power interruptions in Marsascala (August 18).

On Saturday, July 22, at 01.11 a.m. a faulty cable termination in Zejtun led to a power cut in parts of Marsascala and in parts of Zejtun. Immediate steps were taken to identify the fault and to restore power in the shortest time possible. The power started being restored at 3 a.m. and by 4 a.m. the power was back in most of Zejtun. The power was restored by 4.32 p.m. but due to network restrictions some areas in Marsascala were switched off between 11.30 a.m. and 4.56 p.m. to relieve the areas that had been without power since early in the morning.

Enemalta Corporation recognises the fact that over the last few weeks, Marsascala experienced a number of power cuts that were due to cable faults. Works to upgrade Marsascala distribution centre are underway and new cables are planned to be placed in the new Delimara-Marsascala underground tunnel upon its completion. Such works are expected to be completed by November this year.

Information about the July 22 power cut was made available in a press release that was issued by Enemalta on July 24. It is important to appreciate that no amount of spare generation capacity will solve the interruptions related to a local distribution fault, which regrettably can occur from time to time.