Major Power Outage Hits Paris: Thousands Affected Amid Heatwave

On June 15, 2024, Paris experienced a major power outage that impacted thousands of residents and businesses during an intense heatwave. The blackout began around 1:30 PM local time, affecting central and northern parts of the city.

Cause and Duration

The electricity provider, Enedis, identified the cause as a technical fault at a major substation near Canal Saint-Martin. Protective systems activated to prevent equipment damage, triggering the shutdown. Power was restored gradually starting from 6 PM, though some areas had to wait until late evening for electricity to return.

Impact on Residents and Emergency Response

The heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36°C (97°F), exacerbated the situation. Lack of air conditioning posed health risks, and hospitals saw a rise in heat-related cases. Emergency services checked on vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those dependent on powered medical devices.

Official Reactions and Measures

Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed regret and confirmed an ongoing full investigation. She emphasized collaboration with Enedis to:

• Understand the cause
• Enhance infrastructure resilience

Officials advised residents to stay hydrated and minimize travel. Additional police were deployed to manage traffic where signals failed.

Economic and Transport Disruptions

Businesses in the affected districts faced significant losses due to temporary closures. Transport networks saw congestion and increased safety risks from non-functioning traffic lights.

Broader Implications

Experts pointed out that such outages highlight the vulnerability of urban power grids to increasing demand and extreme weather linked to climate change. Authorities stress upgrading energy systems and promoting conservation as vital steps forward.

Next Steps and Communication

Enedis pledged regular updates on repair progress and improvements. Residents are encouraged to report ongoing issues via the official helpline.

For continuous updates on this event, stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News.

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