Bandidhoo in the dark as engine malfunction triggers power outage

A malfunction in the largest generator on Dh. Bandidhoo has triggered an island-wide power outage since this morning, causing significant hardship for residents.

To ensure power supply to households, authorities have cut off supply to all streetlights across the island.

The Fenaka Corporation branch in Bandidhoo stated that the outage was prompted by a malfunction in the island’s main 355 kW generator set at approximately 10:00am this morning.

At present, the island is relying on a single 440 kW generator. However, due to the failure to carry out maintenance over an extended period, the generator’s effective output capacity has declined to 230 kW. With the island’s average electricity demand estimated at between 315 and 320 kW, Fenaka Corporation stated that rotational load shedding has become necessary to manage the shortfall. Electricity supply to public areas and the harbor zone has currently been suspended in order to prioritize domestic consumption.

The local Fenaka branch further revealed that one of the island’s three generators had previously been transferred to Dh. Rinbudhoo under an agreement that it would be replaced. However, no replacement generator has yet been delivered to Bandidhoo. The branch also noted that shortages of essential maintenance supplies, including filters, have created significant difficulties in servicing the remaining engines.

Reports indicate that Bandidhoo has faced persistent electricity challenges for an extended period. Residents have reportedly experienced ongoing disruptions, including restrictions on the use of high-consumption electrical appliances due to instability in the power grid.

Efforts are currently underway to address the crisis. The Bandidhoo branch of Fenaka confirmed that the spare parts required to repair the damaged engine have been obtained. While installation work is in progress, authorities have not yet confirmed an exact timeline for the full restoration of services.

Fenaka stated that the issue is expected to be resolved sometime tomorrow.