TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A shopping center in Yilan City was struck by a power outage on Sunday that affected an estimated 432 households in the neighborhood.
The power outage occurred at 1:43 p.m., plunging the Luna Plaza into darkness, reported CNA. The Taiwan Power Company said the outage was caused by the failure of a switchgear connector at a nearby substation.
Without working air conditioning, the lower levels of the shopping center quickly became humid and stuffy. Some patrons reportedly went to the movie theater lobby on the fourth floor which had some residual cool air from air conditioners required to cool the large open area.
Power was restored to the Luna Plaza and most nearby households by 2:25 p.m. Fortunately, no one was stuck inside the plaza’s elevators when the power cut out.
The Taiwan Power Company apologized for the outage. They reminded residents that with increased demand for electricity over the summer months, some power shortages are likely to occur.
Taipower is currently working to upgrade substations across Taiwan to improve the resiliency and efficiency of Taiwan’s power grid. The project is expected to be completed by December 2027.
