A malfunction in Dh. Bandidhoo's largest generator has caused a widespread power outage on the island since this morning, creating considerable difficulties for residents.

To maintain power for households, authorities have shut off all streetlights across the island.

According to Fenaka Corporation’s Bandidhoo branch, the outage was triggered by a fault in the island’s main 355 kW generator set around 10:00 a.m. today.

Currently, the island is relying on a single 440 kW generator. However, due to prolonged lack of maintenance, its effective output has decreased to approximately 230 kW. With the island’s average electricity demand estimated between 315 and 320 kW, Fenaka has implemented rotational load shedding to manage the shortfall. Power supply to public areas and the harbor zone has been temporarily suspended to prioritize domestic use.

The branch further explained that one of the island’s three generators had previously been transferred to Dh. Rinbudhoo under an agreement that it would be replaced, but no replacement has been delivered yet. Additionally, shortages of essential maintenance supplies, like filters, have hampered efforts to service the remaining engines.

Reports indicate that Bandidhoo has faced ongoing electricity issues for some time, with residents experiencing frequent disruptions and restrictions on high-energy appliances due to unstable power supply.

Efforts are underway to resolve the problem. The Fenaka branch confirmed that the necessary spare parts for repairing the damaged engine have been obtained. While installation is in progress, no specific timeline has been announced for the complete restoration of electricity services.

Fenaka stated that they expect the issue to be resolved by sometime tomorrow.