The infamous boiler No. 7 at the Marsa power station was once again responsible for widespread power cuts yesterday afternoon.

The blackout happened at about 4.15 p.m. and Enemalta said a fault that developed at Marsa affected “a number of localities”, including part of Birkirkara, Valletta, Msida and Pietà.

It did not say what caused the power cut but sources confirmed it was the same boiler that is often blamed for nationwide power cuts and last year earned a Facebook fan page of 6,400 members.

The fault left households and offices without electricity for more than an hour as Enemalta technicians and engineers raced to restore power.

The corporation apologised for any inconvenience caused.

In the eight months to March 2010, the country suffered three major blackouts. Boiler No. 7 was named the culprit behind the incidents and shot to fame or , rather, notoriety. It had been almost forgotten but yesterday’s event made people wonder whether the boiler was planning a comeback this summer.