State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has reported that a damaged high-voltage cable caused electricity supply disruptions across several areas of Hulhumalé Phase 1 today.
According to the official statement posted on STELCO’s social media, the incident occurred during excavation work for an ongoing building project on Banafsaa Hingun, where workers accidentally struck and severed the underground high-voltage line. Technical teams responded to the site immediately to conduct emergency repairs and restore power to affected residents.
advertisement
advertisement
STELCO urged contractors and developers to exercise greater caution during excavation work to protect essential underground infrastructure. The company emphasised that accidental cable strikes disrupt basic utility services and cause significant inconvenience to the general public.
Unintentional utility line strikes have posed persistent challenges for electricity distribution in the rapidly developing urban island of Hulhumalé. Similar incidents in recent months have repeatedly triggered widespread power outages across both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
In April 2026, road construction work damaged a primary supply cable, cutting power to thousands of residents across multiple residential complexes in Phase 2, including the Hiyaa, Vinares, Amaan Dhoadhi, and MPL towers. Earlier that same month, construction activities severed a main supply line, leaving large sections of Phase 2 without electricity for over eight hours. A similar incident occurred in January 2025 when heavy machinery damaged high-voltage equipment during excavation works for a social housing development project, disrupting power across neighbouring districts.
STELCO notes its dedication in continuing to coordinate with urban planning authorities and local contractors to prevent recurring disruptions and ensure developers obtain proper clearance before digging near live electrical lines.
