James Kon

An electrical post was damaged after being struck by a vehicle resulting in the disruption of electricity in several areas in RPN Kampong Pandan, Kuala Belait, Kampong Mumong and the surrounding areas from 5.50am yesterday.

Officers who rushed to the area to investigate the cause of the blackout noticed that the electrical post along the road in Panaga heading to Jalan Setia Diraja had been struck by a vehicle. The accident damaged 15 electric insulators on top of the post, a press release from the Department of Electrical Services (DES) under the Ministry of Energy stated.

Repairs to the damages, and the resumption of electricity supply to the affected areas were carried out using the alternative 11,000kV electricity line and generators.

Officers of the DES repaired the damages in stages. Some parts of the affected areas were still without electricity because of the capacity of 11,000kV is less than 66,000kV.

Thirteen staff of the Department of Electrical Services, 15 appointed contractors, over 30 support staff from the Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd (BPC) and their contractor GT Industries Sdn Bhd with the assistance from Royal Brunei Police Force to control traffic, were involved in the repairs.

Darussalam hotline has been informed of the power disruption. Affected penghulus and heads of villages of the Belait District were also informed to update residents.

The department sought public cooperation not to spread false information. Spreading false information is an offence and can be charged under Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Cap 148 that carries three years’ imprisonment and BND3,000 fine if found guilty.

For complaints, the public can contact Darussalam hotline 123 or check the website www.des.gov.bn.