A significant power outage impacted Biel on Friday morning, leaving many areas without electricity for several hours. The disruption began at around 6:42 AM due to a fault in a protective device at the Mett substation.
Details of the Biel Power Outage
The local energy provider, ESB, reported that the incident caused widespread blackout across the city. Approximately 48 minutes later, many neighborhoods regained power. However, areas served by the Mett substation remained in darkness until 8:30 AM.
Impact on Essential Services
Health facilities and critical infrastructure swiftly switched to emergency power systems, ensuring that there were no injuries reported due to the outage.
Response to the Incident
- Time of Outage: Power failure began at 6:42 AM.
- Duration of Blackout: Most areas regained electricity after 48 minutes; some until 8:30 AM.
- Emergency Protocols: Hospitals and essential services activated backup systems.
The authorities from Bern confirmed that there was no public danger during the outage. However, residents were advised to refrain from using elevators and to turn off any electrical devices during the incident.
Community Reactions
Many residents experienced inconveniences, including interruptions to daily services. Notably, some businesses, such as local cafes, struggled with payment systems that relied on electricity.
As ESB worked diligently to rectify the situation, the focus remained on restoring power and ensuring safety for all residents during the disruption.
