Lightning strike triggers island-wide blackout

There was an island-wide blackout following a lightning strike sometime after 3 p.m. this afternoon, and General Manager of Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) Colin Cover said technicians are working around the clock to have power restored as soon as possible.

The strike reportedly caused significant damage to a DOMLEC power generator, triggering the shutdown.

“We will keep working to restore power as soon as possible,” Colin Cover said during a DBS radio interview.

Among the areas still affected are Loubiere, Scotts Head, Grand Bay, Pointe Mitchel, Silver Lake and upper Bath Estate, among others.

“It took us longer than we would have liked,” he said, referring to the time line in which technicians are taking to restore electricity to some of the affected areas.

“We have been working hard. The wind has not really been very helpful but we continue to work through these conditions… We want to thank the customers for their patience…” Cover explained.

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9 Comments

  1. August 30, 2010

    I was about to post a prayer of intercession for those of us who have been affected by this situation. Especially that I have a very large family in Giraudel. But commentator, Beauty, has informed me that all is well. To God be the glory! A He worked through Domlec, to restore light energy to us.

  2. Beauty
    August 30, 2010

    DOMLEC needs to be congratulated..the power was restored in as quickly as possible

  3. What
    August 30, 2010

    @Anonymous: And how come shareholders en geting increase in dividends for over 15 years, and rates keep soaring higher.?!

  4. Anonymous
    August 30, 2010

    Mr Cover, more power to you! On the job, and in the trenches with the linesmen. Man teach managers here the importance of being shoulder to shoulder with staff in times of crisis.

  5. Dominrican
    August 29, 2010

    Lord… I ask you to protect my family and friends and everyone else in Dominica. We’re communicating with our fam back home. May God keep you all safe and I pray that this storm goes away. I love you all!!!

  6. Pal rep
    August 29, 2010

    And while you’re at it, how about bringing down the rates for all affected once and for all, for the humanity of it!?

    Thank you,

  7. Anonymous
    August 29, 2010

    Keep up the good work Mr.Cover!!!

    You are by far the most respected foreign national as a general manager in any organisation in Dominica at this time.

  8. same ole thing
    August 29, 2010

    Thank you Domlec

  9. ONE LOVE
    August 29, 2010

    go DOMLEC big respect ……………… and THANKS for employing DOMINICANS ALL THE WAY

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