+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: Large scale and unexpected power outages

  1. Link to Post #1
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Large scale and unexpected power outages

    There seem to be more large scale and unexpected power outages occurring.

    These might be due to
    • decaying/old infrastructure,
    • insufficient or poor quality maintenance,
    • sabotage in some kind of covert operation,
    • increased solar and cosmic radiation,
    • extreme weather
    • other reasons.

    Please share any large-scale, unexpected (and perhaps suspicious) power outages.

    Edited to add: extreme weather

    ~~~

    Yesterday (9 August 2019) there was a significant outage across London and South East England.

    Quote ‘Traffic chaos’ as large-scale power cuts hit London & SE England

    Published time: 9 Aug, 2019 16:46
    Edited time: 9 Aug, 2019 20:59

    Nearly a million people have been affected by a major power cut across large areas of England and Wales, affecting homes and transport networks.

    National Grid said it was caused by issues with two power generators but the problem was now resolved.

    Blackouts were reported across the Midlands, the South East, South West and North East of England, and Wales.

    Hundreds of people were stranded at King's Cross station as trains were delayed and cancelled.

    Traffic lights in some areas also stopped working.

    The Department for Transport, said: "Today's power outage has had knock on impacts on travel.

    "We're working hard with Network Rail and others to ensure systems are up and running as quickly as possible, so that everyone can complete their journeys safely."

    At the height of the Friday rush hour, all trains out of King's Cross were suspended and remained so for most of the evening.

    Passenger Zoe Hebblethwaite said the situation outside the station was "absolute mayhem" and that passengers "couldn't find an assistant to speak to".

    The BBC's Emma Petrie said there was an announcement asking passengers to leave the station.

    By 21:00 BST, more than 1,000 passengers appeared to be stranded at King's Cross, with London North Eastern Railway and National Rail advising customers against all travel for the rest of the day.

    Later on, some LNER trains were running southbound into King's Cross, and services to Stevenage and Peterborough from London also resumed, but not further up the East Coast Main Line.

    Boards at Waterloo station showed no trains departing on any platforms.

    Harriet Jackson, 26, said there was an "apocalyptic" scene on Northcote Road, in Battersea, when traffic lights cut out and cars were not stopping.

    "Given it's a Friday afternoon, it's the last thing you want to encounter," she said.

    Passengers at Newcastle Airport said the power cut out for about 15 minutes, but Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports said they had not been affected.

    Scott McKenzie, 31, from Cardiff, said "various alarms were going off" at Newcastle Airport.

    "We were literally plunged into darkness and people were using their phones as torches to see and get around," he added.

    About 500,000 people were affected in Western Power Distribution's area - including 44,500 customers in Wales - with power restored to them all shortly after 18:00 BST, the company said.

    Northern Powergrid said 110,000 of its customers lost power between 17:10 BST and 18:00 BST, while Electricity North West said at least 26,000 people were without power in the North West.

    UK Power Networks spokesman said 300,000 people were affected in London and the South East.

    Network Rail said all trains had been stopped after a "power surge on the National Grid" but its signalling system had come back online.

    In a statement, National Grid said: "Even though these events are outside of our control, we have plans in place to respond and the system operated as planned by disconnecting an isolated portion of electricity demand."

    The action allowed the system to "protect itself and limit the fall in frequency", which allowed for "power to be quickly restored", it added.
    From: https://www.rt.com/uk/466178-large-s...ower-cuts-hit/
    Last edited by Cara; 10th August 2019 at 09:21.
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  2. The Following 18 Users Say Thank You to Cara For This Post:

    Agape (12th August 2019), Ba-ba-Ra (10th August 2019), Bill Ryan (10th August 2019), Billy (10th August 2019), Forest Denizen (10th August 2019), Franny (10th August 2019), Hervé (10th August 2019), mountain_jim (10th August 2019), Nasu (10th August 2019), petra (12th August 2019), RogeRio (10th August 2019), Snoweagle (12th August 2019), Sue (Ayt) (10th August 2019), Sunny-side-up (10th August 2019), Tam (10th August 2019), Tintin (10th August 2019), toppy (10th August 2019), Wind (11th August 2019)

  3. Link to Post #2
    Scotland Avalon Member greybeard's Avatar
    Join Date
    17th March 2010
    Location
    Inverness-----Scotland
    Language
    English
    Age
    78
    Posts
    13,355
    Thanks
    32,617
    Thanked 68,858 times in 11,838 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    This is very strange.
    Some back up generators did not work.
    I wonder what caused such a wide spread fail.
    Just shows how dependent we are on electricity.

    Chris
    Be kind to all life, including your own, no matter what!!

  4. The Following 14 Users Say Thank You to greybeard For This Post:

    Agape (12th August 2019), Art (12th August 2019), Ba-ba-Ra (10th August 2019), Bill Ryan (10th August 2019), Billy (10th August 2019), Cara (10th August 2019), Forest Denizen (10th August 2019), Franny (10th August 2019), Nasu (10th August 2019), RogeRio (10th August 2019), Sunny-side-up (10th August 2019), Tintin (10th August 2019), toppy (10th August 2019), Wind (11th August 2019)

  5. Link to Post #3
    UK Moderator/Librarian/Administrator Tintin's Avatar
    Join Date
    3rd June 2017
    Location
    Project Avalon library
    Language
    English
    Age
    54
    Posts
    5,420
    Thanks
    64,185
    Thanked 46,345 times in 5,388 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    These almost simultaneous outages occurred at around 16:54 which nationally would have impacted on the evening rush-hour.

    According to the Guardian:
    The power cut was caused by problems at Little Barford gas-fired power station in Bedfordshire and Hornsea offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire, which both failed at around the same time.
    If you were setting a scene for a potential national emergency practice, which could presumably be done covertly by somehow interrupting these stations' operational capability, then that is one possibility that could be considered.

    A little too conspiratorial a viewpoint for some maybe.

    We're certainly experiencing some very strong winds and heavy rain at the moment; it could just be operational malfunction brought about by some extreme meteorological activity at present.
    Last edited by Tintin; 10th August 2019 at 20:38.
    “If a man does not keep pace with [fall into line with] his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” - Thoreau

  6. The Following 13 Users Say Thank You to Tintin For This Post:

    Ba-ba-Ra (10th August 2019), Bill Ryan (10th August 2019), Billy (10th August 2019), Cara (10th August 2019), Forest Denizen (10th August 2019), Franny (10th August 2019), greybeard (10th August 2019), Nasu (10th August 2019), RogeRio (10th August 2019), Sunny-side-up (10th August 2019), toppy (10th August 2019), Valerie Villars (13th August 2019), Wind (11th August 2019)

  7. Link to Post #4
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Germany is signalling that there may be outages.

    Quote German Agency For Disaster Preparedness Calls On Citizens To “Be Ready For Widespread Blackouts”

    By P Gosselin on 7. August 2019

    The President of the German Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, abbreviated BKK) is calling on citizens, government offices and companies to be prepared for widespread blackouts.

    In an interview with German national daily Die Welt, BBK President Christoph Unger warned that in the future Germany faced higher probabilities of natural disasters arising from climate change, such as droughts, heat waves and flooding, but said his greatest concern was a power outage.

    “After 24 hours without electricity we would have catastrophic conditions,” Unger told Die Welt.

    He was particularly concerned about how the power supply could be switched off by a cyber attack. “We have to prepare ourselves for such a scenario and prepare ourselves for it”.

    Unstable grid, more frequent interventions

    He then told Die Welt that although the German power supply is relatively stable and secure in a global comparison, “the German Federal Grid Agency is having to intervene more and more frequently in order to compensate for grid fluctuations.”

    Over the years Germany has added more and more volatile supplies of wind and solar power to feed into its power grid. This has made keeping the frequency within the needed range an increasingly difficult challenge.

    “Faced multiple collapses”

    For example, the German DWN here reported how in June earlier this year “Europe’s electricity grid faced multiple collapses” and how grid frequency in Germany had “plummeted several times to such an extent that Europe’s entire power grid had been endangered.” Some aluminum mills had to be taken offline.

    Keep candles and matches on hand

    To prepare for blackouts, Unger told Die Welt that citizens needed to keep “candles and matches” and always have a “batter-powered radio on hand in order to be able to receive news even when the power is out.” He added: “Every household should have a supply of food and drinking water.”

    Diesel backup generators to the rescue

    Ironically Unger told Die Welt that government offices and companies to ask themselves: “Is there enough diesel fuel on hand to power an emergency back-up generator? Where will the diesel come from when the electricity has not yet returned after two days but the back-up generators have to continue running and diesel can only be pumped from the tank farms with electric pumps?”

    Is this the future of the European power supply? Citizens using matches, candles and battery-powered radios to get through power blackouts and companies and government offices relying on emergency backup diesel generators? Sounds like the 1950s.
    From: https://notrickszone.com/2019/08/07/...ead-blackouts/
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  8. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Cara For This Post:

    Ba-ba-Ra (10th August 2019), Bill Ryan (10th August 2019), Forest Denizen (10th August 2019), Franny (10th August 2019), greybeard (10th August 2019), Hervé (10th August 2019), Tintin (10th August 2019), Wind (11th August 2019)

  9. Link to Post #5
    United States Avalon Member Tam's Avatar
    Join Date
    1st May 2017
    Location
    Earth, probably.
    Age
    28
    Posts
    500
    Thanks
    3,747
    Thanked 4,363 times in 496 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    My first thought was a Coronal Mass Ejection...but then, these seem too oddly localized to be that.

    Interesting, though.

    Thanks for sharing, Cara. For now, it doesn't seem to be anything highly unusual, but only time will tell.

  10. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Tam For This Post:

    Cara (11th August 2019), Forest Denizen (10th August 2019), Franny (10th August 2019), greybeard (10th August 2019), Tintin (10th August 2019), Wind (11th August 2019)

  11. Link to Post #6
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Power outages also in Indonesia.

    Quote Jakarta and Several Cities in West Java Hit by Major Blackout

    BY : DION BISARA
    AUGUST 04, 2019

    Jakarta. Jakarta and major cities in West Java were hit by a massive electricity blackout on Sunday due to a problem with a transmission system on Java Island, state-run utility company Perusahaan Listrik Negara said in a statement.

    PLN said the Ungaran and Pemalang high-voltage transmission facilities that carry power from plants in the eastern part of Java Island broke down. This caused the Suralaya and Cilegon powerplants in Banten, which supply Jakarta and another 15 cities in West Java, to become overloaded, forcing them to shut down.

    Made said the blackout in West Java affected Bandung, Bekasi, Cianjur, Cimahi, Cirebon, Garut, Karawang, Purwakarta, Majalaya, Sumedang, Tasikmalaya, Depok, Gunung Putri, Sukabumi and Bogor.

    Distress in Jakarta

    The blackout caused distress in Jakarta when four trains of the mass rapid transit system came to a standstill underground. All commuter trains also stopped, while nonfunctioning traffic lights resulted in traffic congestion.

    "We deeply apologize for the problems we caused. We are currently working hard to return everything to normal," PLN spokesman I Made Suprateka said.

    Made said six of the seven gas turbines at the Suralaya powerplant had to be shut down after experiencing problems. The seventh was off when the blackout occurred.

    He said PLN has managed to source power from backup plants and that the network would hopefully return to normal soon.

    Kereta Commuter Indonesia said the blackout affected all commuter trains in the greater Jakarta area.

    KCI spokeswoman Anne Purba said the company assisted passengers to get off trains.

    "We are getting in touch with related parties to resolve this problem as soon as possible," she said.

    MRT Jakarta, the company that operates the city's mas rapid transit system, said it had managed to safely evacuate all passengers from the trains halted underground.
    From: https://jakartaglobe.id/context/jaka...ium=2019-08-05

    Map for orientation:
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  12. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Cara For This Post:

    Agape (12th August 2019), Hervé (11th August 2019), Tintin (11th August 2019), Valerie Villars (11th August 2019)

  13. Link to Post #7
    France On Sabbatical
    Join Date
    7th March 2011
    Location
    Brittany
    Posts
    16,763
    Thanks
    60,315
    Thanked 95,889 times in 15,481 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    My inkling is that the main cause is due to the mixing of two almost incompatible power networks, one of them being totally unreliable because of being mostly unpredictable... see this thread OP and its Post #12


    Guess why geoengineering would be needed for implementing steady weather...
    "La réalité est un rêve que l'on fait atterrir" San Antonio AKA F. Dard

    Troll-hood motto: Never, ever, however, whatsoever, to anyone, a point concede.

  14. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Hervé For This Post:

    Baby Steps (11th August 2019), Cara (11th August 2019), petra (12th August 2019), Tintin (11th August 2019)

  15. Link to Post #8
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Quote Posted by Hervé (here)
    My inkling is that the main cause is due to the mixing of two almost incompatible power networks, one of them being totally unreliable because of being mostly unpredictable... see this thread OP and its Post #12


    Guess why geoengineering would be needed for implementing steady weather...
    I looked to see what I could find on the Indonesian electricity grid.

    This from a report of February 2012:
    Quote The Indonesian electricity sector is heading towards a crisis, unless significant investments are made. Indonesia’s electricity generation capacities are outdated and insufficient, operating at an average capacity factor of 66%, and the country experiences daily blackouts lasting on average 4 hours a day. In addition, Indonesia has an estimated annual demand growth of 9% and is currently 25 percentage points behind the electricification target rate of 90% by 2020.

    Renewable generation facilities account for 10% of total on-grid installed capacity. 5% of the total on-grid electricity generation in 2010 (170 TWh) came from renewable energy sources. On-grid renewable capacity consists mainly of large-scale hydropower and geothermal, while off-grid generation capacity include also small-scale hydro, biomass and solar power generation.

    Several new laws and regulations are implemented to stimulate renewable energy production. Feed-in-tariffs for renewable electricity production are introduced, independent power producers are allowed and encouraged to operate, standard power purchase agreements are in place and foreign investors are invited to participate. It is still, however, not straight-forward for private players to invest and operate in this field.

    The renewable generation capacities have to double to around 13 GW to meet the 15% renewable target by 2025. Current renewable capacities are at 6.1 GW (2.9 GW (on-grid) and 3.2 GW (off-grid)). Most of the increase in absolute terms is expected within geothermal, but also small hydro, PV and wind power is expected to increase significantly. The technical potential is in any case substantial and offers large opportunities for investors and developers.
    Here: http://www.differgroup.com/Portals/5...rall_FINAL.pdf

    And this from Geni:
    Quote Indonesia has installed electrical generating capacity estimated at 21.4 gigawatts, with 87% coming from thermal (oil, gas, and coal) sources, 10.5% from hydropower, and 2.5% from geothermal sources. Prior to the Asian financial crisis, Indonesia had plans for a rapid expansion of power generation, based mainly on opening up Indonesia's power market to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The crisis led to severe financial strains on state-utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), which made it difficult to pay for all of the power for which it had signed contracts with IPPs. PLN has over $5 billion in debt, which has grown markedly in terms of local currency due to the decline in the value of the rupiah. The Indonesian government has been unwilling to take over the commercial debts of PLN.

    In 2002, Indonesia's government undertook measures to liberalize the nation's electricity market in order to make it more interesting for foreign investment. Competition for power generation will be open on the islands of Batam, Java, and Bali by 2007. In 2008, retail competition in the electricity market will begin under the terms of the nation's new electricity law, approved in September 2002. The law requires an end to PLN's monopoly on electricity distribution within five years, after which time private companies (both foreign and domestic) will be permitted to sell electricity directly to consumers. However, all companies will need to use PLN's existing transmission network.
    ...
    Office: 4420 Rainier Avenue, Suite 308, San Diego, California 92120
    Phone: +1.619.595.0139 | Fax: +1.619.595.0403 | Email: info@geni.org

    Updated: 2016/06/30
    From: http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/lib...ia/index.shtml
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Cara For This Post:

    Hervé (11th August 2019)

  17. Link to Post #9
    France On Sabbatical
    Join Date
    7th March 2011
    Location
    Brittany
    Posts
    16,763
    Thanks
    60,315
    Thanked 95,889 times in 15,481 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Quote Posted by Cara (here)
    [...]
    I looked to see what I could find on the Indonesian electricity grid.
    [...]
    Yep: "Economic Hitmen" at work...
    "La réalité est un rêve que l'on fait atterrir" San Antonio AKA F. Dard

    Troll-hood motto: Never, ever, however, whatsoever, to anyone, a point concede.

  18. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Hervé For This Post:

    Cara (11th August 2019), Valerie Villars (11th August 2019)

  19. Link to Post #10
    Australia Avalon Member Anchor's Avatar
    Join Date
    10th February 2010
    Location
    NSW, Australia
    Language
    English
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,600
    Thanks
    11,209
    Thanked 25,814 times in 3,730 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    I wrote the thread this links to over 9 years ago now, but it is still relevant. Power disruption is one of the main scenarios I think most people should give some thought about. You don't even need to be a victim of economic hit men or terrorists - power cuts, sometimes protracted, can happen by genuine accident.
    -- Let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all --

  20. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Anchor For This Post:

    Cara (11th August 2019), meeradas (12th August 2019), petra (12th August 2019), Valerie Villars (11th August 2019), Wind (12th August 2019)

  21. Link to Post #11
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Quote Posted by Anchor (here)
    I wrote the thread this links to over 9 years ago now, but it is still relevant. Power disruption is one of the main scenarios I think most people should give some thought about. You don't even need to be a victim of economic hit men or terrorists - power cuts, sometimes protracted, can happen by genuine accident.
    Thank you Anchor, that’s a great thread and your opening post is full of practical advice.

    You’re right. Power grids may have black-outs and go down for all sorts of reasons including wild weather, overloaded infrastructure and even corruption (that results in the necessary funds not making their way to address problems).
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  22. Link to Post #12
    Australia Avalon Member Anchor's Avatar
    Join Date
    10th February 2010
    Location
    NSW, Australia
    Language
    English
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,600
    Thanks
    11,209
    Thanked 25,814 times in 3,730 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Even if you dont read that thread, the main thing is power grids going down for longer outages affects water supply - most have not experienced this so may not have planned for it. Not having water it is a dangerous pickle to be in.
    -- Let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all, let the truth be known by all --

  23. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Anchor For This Post:

    Cara (12th August 2019), meeradas (12th August 2019), petra (12th August 2019)

  24. Link to Post #13
    Aaland Avalon Member Agape's Avatar
    Join Date
    26th March 2010
    Posts
    5,556
    Thanks
    14,029
    Thanked 25,204 times in 4,590 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    This may be relevant or not but we have currently hit the bottom of Solar cycle and geomagnetic field displayed eery calm as well,
    reported even by private magnetometers such as here:

    THE EERY CALMING OF EARTH MAGNETIC FIELD

    Due to low activity of geomagnetic field we aren’t well shielded from cosmic radiation and possible solar flares and winds even accidentally blowing in our direction.

    There’s not enough predictability and comparative data on what all can occur ( but does not have to) during this time,
    there seem to be reports of many unusual atmospheric phenomena

    but also flooding, large parts of India are under water
    and eastern provinces of China are being evacuated
    from approaching typhoon

    Typhoon Lekima Makes Landfall in China ..

    Photos:Flooding claims more than 140 lives in Southern, Western Indian states

    there’s lots of socio-political unrest observed globally as well.


    So this is somewhat vulnerable period of our history
    and we should be treading the safest we possible can
    I believe.

    Peace&Prayers

    🙏🌟🙏



    Contemporary research connects the dots here:


    SOLAR CYCLES END WITH “TERMINATOR EVENTS” THAT HERALD NEW ACTIVITY ERA OF THE SUN, STUDIES SAY
    Last edited by Agape; 12th August 2019 at 07:41. Reason: fixed link

  25. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Agape For This Post:

    Cara (13th August 2019), Franny (13th August 2019), meeradas (12th August 2019), petra (12th August 2019), Wind (12th August 2019)

  26. Link to Post #14
    Avalon Member
    Join Date
    4th January 2011
    Posts
    788
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4,498 times in 720 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Quote Posted by Anchor (here)
    You don't even need to be a victim of economic hit men or terrorists - power cuts, sometimes protracted, can happen by genuine accident.
    The HUGE difference is that suddenly all around the world there is a coordinated effort to sell the NARRATIVE/AGENDA of 'mass power outages'. This is a SCRIPT. This is pre-selling an AGENDA of disconnecting people FROM BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE.

    It will be a TOOL used at a convenient time to keep people from being able to stay informed during a manufactured disaster. What is already happening are massive VIRTUAL blackouts - local news is NOT reporting what extreme manufactured disasters are going on next door or in other states/countries - and they are ramping up at an alarming rate.

    Please don't err on the side of giving these extremely calculated events/agendas a 'oh, sh*t happens' pass FIRST.

  27. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to waves For This Post:

    Anchor (14th August 2019), Cara (13th August 2019), cursichella1 (16th August 2019), Franny (13th August 2019), Hervé (13th August 2019), Valerie Villars (13th August 2019)

  28. Link to Post #15
    Brazil Avalon Member
    Join Date
    25th June 2011
    Age
    52
    Posts
    187
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 1,154 times in 173 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    There was a massive power outage in Argentina, Uruguay and some parts of Brazil not long ago (very recently, maybe two months ago).

  29. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to prc For This Post:

    Cara (13th August 2019), Franny (13th August 2019), Hervé (13th August 2019)

  30. Link to Post #16
    Moderator (on Sabbatical) Cara's Avatar
    Join Date
    12th February 2014
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Language
    English
    Posts
    1,431
    Thanks
    9,850
    Thanked 7,481 times in 1,331 posts

    Default Re: Large scale and unexpected power outages

    Quote Posted by prc (here)
    There was a massive power outage in Argentina, Uruguay and some parts of Brazil not long ago (very recently, maybe two months ago).
    Thanks, is this the one you’re referring to?

    Quote All Of Argentina, Uruguay Without Electricity After Massive Outage
    A massive outage has blacked out Argentina and Uruguay, leaving around 48 million people without electricity, power companies said.
    World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: June 16, 2019 22:00 IST


    Argentina has a population of more than 44 million while around 3.4 million people live in Uruguay (FILE)

    BUENOS AIRES: Power was slowly being restored on Sunday after a massive outage blacked out Argentina and Uruguay, leaving around 48 million people without electricity, power companies said.
    The cut, which happened just after 7:00 am, also affected Paraguay, which reported short, localized losses of power.

    Argentinian power company Edesur, which has 2.5 million customers, wrote on Twitter that "the restoration of the electric power service to the grid is slowly beginning."

    On a blog, Edesur said that 50,000 of its customers had power back.

    For its part, Uruguay's state power company UTE said it was "continuing to restore the service."

    It said service was back in the northern part of the country above the Rio Negro river, as well as "part of the south coast and metropolitan area" around the capital Montevideo.

    The outage was caused by "a collapse of the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI) which produced a massive power cut in the whole country and also affected Uruguay," said Argentina's energy secretariat in a statement quoted by local press.

    "The causes are being investigated and have not yet been determined," it said on its Twitter account, adding that it would take "some hours" to restore power completely.

    Edesur said the outage had affected in their entirety the two South American countries, which share a border along the River Plate.

    Argentina has a population of more than 44 million while around 3.4 million people live in Uruguay.

    Sources from the official energy agency of Paraguay, which borders Argentina to the northeast, told AP that cuts there had been "momentary."

    A spokesperson for RGE, the biggest energy distributor in Brazil's southern Rio Grande do Sul state that borders both Argentina and Uruguay, said they had had no reports of cuts.

    Empty streets

    By mid-morning, streets were largely empty in a rainy Buenos Aires although some stores were open, operating with generators, while Montevideo was almost entirely without power, with only some traffic lights working.

    It is Father's Day in Argentina and some restaurants were expecting many customers.

    In the Tobago bar in the Boedo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, had been fully booked for lunch.

    "It had to happen today," said 60-year-old waiter Pedro Salinas.

    "They've cut off our legs," he added, using a famous phrase uttered by football great Diego Maradona when he was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup after testing positive for drugs.

    Argentines are also going to the polls in several provinces on Sunday to elect governors, with some local media reporting voters cast ballots by candle light.

    In Montevideo, some restaurants in the downtown area had power back by 11:00 am (1400 GMT).

    More than an hour after the blackout, UTE said its system was being brought back "from zero."

    Argentina and Uruguay have a common power grid centered on the bi-national Salto Grande dam, 450 kilometers (280 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
    From: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mass...panies-2054203

    Interesting photograph they decided to use to illustrate this story with.
    Last edited by Cara; 13th August 2019 at 05:42.
    *I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night*

  31. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Cara For This Post:

    Agape (13th August 2019), cursichella1 (16th August 2019), Hervé (13th August 2019), mountain_jim (13th August 2019)

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts