SAN SEBASTIAN DE LA GOMERA – A fire at the power plant on the Canary Island La Gomera interrupted the power supply to more than 10,000 customers. 30% of those affected are still without electricity.
The fact that the supply to so many people has not yet been restored is due to a lack of investment and maintenance of the facilities. The deployment of three generators at this thermal power plant and about thirty generators already connected has made it possible to partially restore the network. According to a statement from the company, a “full restoration” of power is underway, but some 5,000 customers remain without service.
The inhabitants and institutions of La Gomera are expressing their frustration with the energy crisis that has hit the island since 3am on Sunday. In the meantime, Endesa is trying to fully restore the power supply with the start-up of an emergency power station.
Problems also expected on other islands
Casimiro Curbelo, president of the Cabildo de La Gomera, criticized the “extraordinary neglect and negligence” of the electricity network after the blackout. He also predicts disruptions on other islands due to the lack of investment. Furthermore, he points out that island systems are isolated with a lack of infrastructure. This does not only apply to La Gomera, but also to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. He warns that “Gran Canaria will collapse within a year”.
Legal action may follow
In an interview with Ser, he called on Endesa to “take responsibility” and inform the public, which has not happened so far. Curbelo indicated that the Cabildo of La Gomera is considering taking legal action against the company.
Assistance from the Ministry of Defense
The portable Hermosilla power station arrived on the island Monday evening. The station provided support for the power system and technicians installed it at the El Palmar facility. Endesa has announced that more than 100 employees and collaborating companies have been engaged in recovery and repair work for more than 48 hours.
Endesa has apologized for the inconvenience and has called for responsible power consumption in the coming days. They also warned of short power cuts for maintenance and logistical work on the electricity grid.
The Department of Defence announced it would send two generators to La Gomera on Tuesday morning. Futhermore it would send personnel and resources from the Army’s Agrupación de Apoyo Logístico 81 (AALOG 81) and BRICAN XVI.
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