Friday January 11, 2013

Snake trips two substation transformers and causes blackout

Shocking end: The dead snake, highlighted in the red circle, hanging from the bus bar.

SIBU: If the cause of the blackout in several areas here on Wednesday night is any indication of what lies ahead, then the people here should have plenty to “hiss” about during the Chinese New Year.

Two transformers at Deshon sub-station tripped at 9.07pm after a snake climbed onto the outdoor bus bar, which is a conducting bar that carries heavy currents to supply several electric circuits, resulting in an electrical flash.

Unfortunately, the equipment which was supposed to isolate the initial fault malfunctioned, and tripped the transformers. As a result, the power interruption affected a wider area.

Sarawak Energy Bhd’s central regional manager, Choo Min Chong, in a statement yesterday, said: “Our technicians were immediately deployed when the incident happened. Power was fully restored by 10.14pm.

“We deeply regret any incon- venience caused to consumers and we thank them for their patience while restoration work was carried out.”

As for the snake, it was of course literally shocked to death.

When the cause of the blackout became public, people began to wonder out loud if it could be a sign of the coming Year of the Snake. More so when it is said to be the Year of the ‘Blind’ Snake.

In an interview by Andy Chua for the Borneo Beats in The Star recently, well-known geomancer and astrologer, Long Tian Bai Yun, forecasted the new year as “just average”.

“This is the ‘blind’ snake year where one’s fortune can either be really good or really bad. So people especially those born in the year of Snake, Tiger, Dragon, Pig and Monkey, need to be extra careful when undertaking any project. This is also a year that is not suitable for couples wishing to tie the knot,” he said.

That said, Long pointed out that for those who want to start a new venture, Feb 12, 15 and 18 are auspicious dates.

He also said that women would rise in prominence in the new year.

News

Friday January 11, 2013

Snake trips two substation transformers and causes blackout