Massive Power Outage Hits Paris: Thousands Left in the Dark Amid Cold Snap

On the evening of June 10, 2024, Paris experienced a massive power outage that left thousands without electricity amid a cold snap. Starting around 7 PM local time, multiple districts including central and northern areas were affected, disrupting daily life and critical services.

Cause and Response

The outage was traced to a fault in a major substation located in the 18th arrondissement, according to Électricité de France (EDF). Technicians were quickly dispatched to assess and repair the problem. Approximately 60,000 households and businesses suffered power loss, prompting emergency services to manage increased calls related to heating failures and traffic signal malfunctions.

Impact on the City

The cold weather, with temperatures dipping below 10 degrees Celsius, exacerbated the situation. In response, Paris authorities opened several warming centers to support vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. Metro services were partly disrupted with some stations closing temporarily, and traffic management systems were impaired, leading to longer commutes and congestion. Police and municipal workers manually controlled intersections to maintain safety.

Restoration and Community Reaction

EDF anticipates full power restoration by early morning on June 11. The company has apologised and pledged a thorough investigation to avoid future incidents. A spokesperson stated, “We are working hard to bring normal service back and ensure the safety and comfort of all our customers.”

Local residents expressed frustration but acknowledged the swift response. Marie Dupont from the 10th arrondissement commented, “It was completely dark, but the city handled it well. The warming centers and emergency services helped a lot.”

Expert Insights

Energy experts emphasize that such outages are rare in Paris but underline the need for ongoing infrastructure upgrades to handle increasing energy demands and extreme weather challenges.

For further developments, stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News.

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