BrownOuts Experience

It came unbelievably at the least expected time and I cannot really recall when was the last time it happened with such scale.  I must say almost all areas in Tutong district were without any electricity supply.  It did not help at all that my mobile phone was totally running out of juice by the time the electricity was being cut off.  So we drove all the way from Tutong up to Jerudong to figure out the extent of the problem and that bought me some time to get my phone recharged as well hehe.  Amazingly, Jerudong area was pretty much lighted up and we did  not dare to venture further to Gadong area considering that it was more riskier with all traffic lights going down as well.  I heard they restored the electricity in stages and by the time ours were restored, it was almost 2 pm during the wee hours.  Not a pleasant experience with the night getting more stuffier but was real glad to learn that it was not as serious we initially thought.

I guess we are still pretty short handed when it comes to contingency planning and this is not good knowing that earlier this year we have undergone similar problem.  What clear right now is we do not have backup options in place in case this disruption kicks in.  This is only ‘technical glitch’ and restoring the generator turbine takes quite a while which is understandably a standard procedure.  But in the event that real failure occurs, without backup plan then we will be in for a rough ride.  Something which the authorities need to look at seriously for future improvement.  That begs the question where does the new Bukit Panggal Power Station comes into play to provide alternative solution …. big question mark ????