First phase of new cable works completed, Hong Kong power firm says, days after fire from high-voltage lines caused widespread blackouts
- CLP Power says its first 132kV high-voltage cable successfully activated in Yuen Long, aims to complete works for remaining two cables by Tuesday
- The three new cables can ‘maintain reliability’ of the district’s power grid for now, says lawmaker Chan Siu-hung
A Hong Kong power company has completed the first phase of cable-laying works days after a fire on high-voltage lines triggered outages across three districts, while a lawmaker has suggested rebuilding a supply bridge destroyed in the blaze as an option.
The government said it received an interim report from CLP Power on Friday, which stated there was nothing abnormal about the cables involved before the fire.
CLP Power, one of two electricity suppliers in the city, said its first 132kV high-voltage cable was successfully activated at 3am on Friday in Yuen Long. It aimed to complete works for two remaining cables latest by next Tuesday.
“This new cable is able to reinforce power supply capability and enhance reliability of the power system in the region,” the company said in a statement, adding it would closely monitor the supply and arrange deployment if needed.
The fire involved a cable bridge over a river in Yuen Long, along Kwong Yip Street near The Spectra residential estate on Tuesday night. The blaze knocked out power for 160,000 homes for hours, as well as for restaurants in the district. By Thursday night, some households were still experiencing 10-minute blackouts.
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department cited the interim report as saying the affected cables were not experiencing reduced or excessive voltage before the fire, and no cable joint was installed inside the bridge.