MIRI: The lightning that struck both circuits of the Similajau-Tudan transmission lines was deemed as the cause of the blackout here on Thursday night.

The outage began at 9.55pm when lightning took out the circuits and caused the power trip, affecting the city, Lutong, Kuala Baram, Lambir, Marudi, Bekenu and Batu Niah.

The technical team from Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) immediately worked on restoring power in stages, with the electricity supply resuming to normal about two hours later.

SEB Northern Region manager Choo Min Chong said: “It is not common for the lightning to strike both circuits, but this was one of those rare cases.”

“Our team worked very hard to restore power in the shortest time possible. We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to the people in Miri,” he said in a press statement.

Moreover, SEB chief operating officer Lu Yew Hung said the group was in the midst of reinforcing the electrical network slated for improving supply stability, reliability and boost capacity of power across this city and its surrounding areas.

“The detailed plan for the network reinforcement spans for a period of five years, scheduled for completion by 2018. This will see a gradual improvement of Miri’s network system. ”

SEB is investing over RM400mil for this purpose. Among the projects that will help strengthen the supply in Miri are the construction of Tudan 275kV substation with the installation of two 240MVA transformers; construction of new Lambir 275kV substation with two 120MVA transformers; and a planned construction of a new combined cycle gas power plant in Lutong with a capacity of 200MW.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/08/seb-miri-blackout-due-to-lightning-strike/#ixzz3JTwIP23U