City power cuts caused by lightning, thunder

 THE power cuts in the National Capital District and surrounding areas last Thursday and Friday were caused by lightning and thunderstorm, PNG Power Ltd says.

A company statement said lightning struck a conductor on a transmission line between Boroko and Waigani sub-station about 5.45pm on Thursday.

It caused under-frequency on feeders at all the sub-stations and generators at all the power stations.

“This forced the machines at the four Rouna Hydro Power stations, Moitaka, Kanudi and Hanjung Power stations to trip,” the statement said.

“PNG Power linesmen patrolled the transmission lines and identified the fault and had it fixed before the generators at the power stations were restored.

“Electricity supply to the city and surrounding areas were fully restored at 11.45pm on Thursday and 8pm on Friday.”

The company said workers were closely monitoring the weather which could cause further problems.

The company said workers would restore power supply as quickly as possible in case of disruptions from lightning or thunderstorms.

“Despite challenging working conditions, our lines crews, electricians and engineers have made excellent progress in restoring power supply during those prolonged outage days,” the statement said.