On Saturday 29th March at around 2230hrs the North Mole Power Station experienced a system disturbance which was initially associated with an instant loss of gas supply from the LNG Terminal.

However, after due consultation with experienced and knowledgeable LNG Terminal staff and whilst continuing with our diagnostics protocol, it soon became clear that there was a high voltage (HV) cable fault on the distribution network.

This HV cable fault was causing our team of engineers difficulty in remotely reinstating electricity supply to those areas affected by the power outage, these being the upper town, Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Hassans Centenary Terraces and Beach View Terraces.

At no point, prior or during this power outage, was there an issue with the LNG Terminal which could have resulted in any unsafe situation or in the venting of natural gas to the atmosphere.

A team of our highly skilled engineers was then mobilised and deployed to the substations which distribute power to the affected areas. 

Following works undertaken to locate and isolate the HV cable fault, the power supply to the upper town was restored at around midnight, with the power supply to Hassans Centenary Terraces and Beach View Terraces restored just after 0030hrs.

The HV cable fault was subsequently narrowed down to the cables feeding both the Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay substations.

Under the direct supervision of the Gibraltar Electricity Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, further diagnostics were undertaken until the fault was pinpointed to a length of cable that runs from the entrance to Eastern Beach to the old Caleta Palace Hotel site.

Having isolated this section of the HV network, HV circuits were reconfigured, and power was safely restored to Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay at around 0445 hrs.

At present, and pending further detailed investigation, all indications are that the fault is attributable to cable failure and not to any possible damage caused by a contractor.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued support.