CLP apologizes for yet another power outage

Ayra Wang

A voltage dip at an 11,000-volt power supply system in Sham Shui Po caused lights and appliances to shut down "for seconds" late Tuesday night, CLP Power said yesterday.

Some residents in Shek Kip Mei, Pak Tin and Nam Cheong estates took to social media to say that they experienced a power interruption at around 11pm, adding that "all electrical appliances in the house suddenly shut down and all lights went out for seconds."

Power giant CLP apologized for the inconvenience and said it is investigating the incident.

"At around 11.09pm on July 9, Tuesday night, the company's 11,000-volt power supply system in Sham Shui Po recorded a voltage sag," it said.

"Some customers might have observed light flickering or dimming during the period. Some electrical installations might have experienced tripping due to activation of the equipment's protection mechanism," the company added.

This came just hours after CLP submitted a report to the administration explaining the blackout at Wong Tai Sin last month was due to the malfunction of two cables by "external factors."

Sources said the cables were possibly damaged by excavation work, which was being carried out around them.

Engineer Edward Lo Wai-chau, from the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers' electrical division, said the two power cables that caused a power outage in Wong Tai Sin were not protected by pipes, and CLP should step up inspection efforts.

Lo said the cables are usually placed along sidewalks and road construction may affect them.

"Excavation work requires relevant permits and workers need to act in compliance with the Code of Practice on working near electricity supply lines," he said, adding that third-party construction operators are required to obtain cable maps before they can start work.

"However, it is still inevitable that mistakes in third-party engineering may occur and lead to damages to the cables, and they will probably not experience a fault until weeks or even years after the damage," Lo said, adding it is difficult to find people accountable.

Lo said the faulty cables involved in the incident were not protected by pipes, but buried in the mud.

He urged the power company to enhance inspections on third-party construction sites, including adopting advanced technology to help frontline workers.

Meanwhile, lawmakers urged CLP to speed up the review process and improve facilities in the wake of eight power outages this year.

Lawmaker Scott Leung Man-kwong said the company should take responsibility for ensuring the stability of power supply during the hot summer months.

CLP is conducting a comprehensive review of its management, power system and past incidents and it will submit the report within a year.

Lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong said it is "unacceptable" that CLP has caused severe inconvenience to the public while urging it to speed up reviewing its system, enhance staff training and replace old facilities.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com