Update 6: Power restored after interconnector fault in Sicily leads to widespread outage

A fault to the interconnector in Sicily caused a widespread power outage this afternoon, leaving a substantial part of Malta and Gozo without electricity. The supply was disrupted at 4.45pm and completely restored two hours later. Areas without power included Rabat, Sliema, San Gwann, Naxxar, Iklin, Birkirkara and Valletta. A reader reported that lights at Mater Dei also dimmed for a second before the generators took over. Traffic lights in several parts of the island were also out of order. In Msida traffic chaos was reported as a result and in spite of police presence. Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said the widespread power cut was caused by a fault that occurred on the Italian side, which cut off the electricity supply to the interconnector cable. He said the interconnector cable was supplying the system with around 190MW of electricity, equivalent to almost 50 per cent of the domestic demand. “There was no current flowing from Sicily and this caused the protective systems on the network to shut down. However, the operators were good at maintaining system stability that allowed some parts of the island to continue receiving electricity from the Delimara power station.” He said...