Updated: Power cut across Malta as Parliament debates Enemalta estimates

A power failure hit the whole country this morning leaving homes, offices and businesses without electricity.

Coincidentally, the power cut took place as Parliament was debating the Enemalta financial estimates. The sitting continued as power generators kicked in, but across Malta many workers left their offices and factories and gathered in the streets. Some workers were sent home by their employers. It was business as usual at the banks and other establishments which had generators.

The cause of the outage, which took place at about 10.35 a.m., was not immediately known, although unconfirmed reports said there had been a failure at a Marsa power station boiler.

Enemalta said both power stations were affected and its engineers were still investigating the cause.

The power cut also affected Gozo.

Many people reported difficulties using their mobile phones.

A gas turbine was used to provide emergency power to sensitive areas such as the freeport, Enemalta said.

Delimara power station was restarted at 11.15 a.m. Power to Valletta was restored at noon, gradually followed by other areas.