Power Restored in Chile Following Major Blackout Affecting Millions

Chile has restored power after a massive blackout affected 98% of the population, with investigations ongoing into the causes. Interior Minister Tohá confirmed the situation, while President Boric criticized the energy companies involved. The incident raises concerns regarding the reliability of Chile’s energy infrastructure and the need for increased state oversight.

Power has been restored for the majority of Chile’s 19 million citizens following the country’s most significant blackout in the past 15 years, according to government sources. This outage affected 98% of the population, prompting authorities to impose a strict curfew. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá reported that electricity was largely restored across 14 regions, although approximately 220,000 residents remained without power.

The blackout originated from a fault in a primary transmission line, triggering multiple shutdowns of power plants and transmission facilities throughout Chile. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact causes of the fault. Minister Tohá also noted that authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding three fatalities attributed to the blackout, emphasizing the dangers faced by those reliant on electricity for medical devices.

As public transportation services resumed in Santiago, the government confirmed the conclusion of the state of emergency, which expired early Wednesday. However, over 200 arrests were made for curfew violations the previous night. In towns like Maipú, residents anxiously awaited the restoration of power and access to drinking water, while many commuters contended with non-functional traffic lights.

The blackout represents the most severe disruption in Chile since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2010. Leftist President Gabriel Boric criticized energy transmission companies, asserting the necessity for accountability for those responsible for the blackout’s impact on millions of citizens. He remarked that it is unacceptable for daily life in Chile to be compromised due to the failures of private companies.

Critics of the current infrastructure system advocate for increased state intervention in the planning of Chile’s electricity infrastructure. Since the privatization that occurred during the military regime of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990, private entities have managed essential services, including electricity, often facing scrutiny regarding their reliability and accountability.

In summary, the recent blackout in Chile has raised significant concerns regarding the reliability of private energy companies and the infrastructure’s adequacy. With investigations ongoing and a demand for accountability from the government, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities in Chile’s power distribution and the need for potential reforms in the management of essential services. Furthermore, the event emphasizes the critical importance of electricity in safeguarding public health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations dependent on electrical medical devices.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com