Lyon, June 26 – Residents of Lyon have been experiencing a surge in power outages since the onset of the current heatwave. Messages expressing frustration about the lack of electricity have multiplied on local social media groups, particularly concerning the impact on essential appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and roller shutters during this critical period. Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator, addressed the situation on Friday, June 26, confirming that the prolonged high temperatures are indeed the cause of the difficulties.
Underground Cables Under Extreme Stress
While the overhead electrical network appears to be largely unaffected, Enedis highlights that the underground electrical network is facing severe constraints. Temperatures in these subterranean environments can reach up to 80°C. “When it’s hot for several days in a row, with warm nights, the network doesn’t cool down,” explained an Enedis representative. This sustained heat leads to distortions at the cable junctions, resulting in phenomena described as ‘breakdowns’ or ‘flashovers’.
Enedis assures the public of its proactive measures: “We have been mobilized in Lyon for several weeks. We are capable of intervening in various incidents. The objective is to quickly carry out maneuvers to restore power.”
Swift Response to Minimize Disruption
When a power cut occurs, Enedis is immediately notified at its control center. “We send teams to the incident site. We conduct a fault search using specific trucks. They mark the ground and open the trench. Then Enedis intervenes on the cable,” details the company.
Although this process takes time, Enedis prioritizes redistributing power to affected customers as quickly as possible. “They often experience power cuts for a very short time,” stated Enedis, adding that Lyon is less affected than some other regions. However, the company cautioned, “The temperature continues to rise, and the nights are getting warmer.”
Enedis remains fully mobilized to address the challenges posed by this heatwave, which is impacting or has the potential to impact underground electrical networks. Teams, alongside service providers, are on standby to ensure rapid intervention. The company pledges continued vigilance in the coming days as the heatwave persists.
What to Do During a Power Outage
Enedis advises residents to “wait” during a power cut, as power is often restored quickly. Alternatively, customers can consult the online map to check for ongoing incidents in their neighborhood. On Friday, June 26, at 2:50 PM, four incidents were reported in the 6th arrondissement, specifically on Rue Duquesne, Rue Boileau, Rue Garibaldi, and Rue du Musée Guimet. According to the online map, power was restored swiftly in these areas.
The increasing frequency of these incidents underscores the significant challenges posed by extreme weather conditions to urban infrastructure, prompting ongoing efforts by utility providers to adapt and enhance resilience.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/les-coupures-de-courant-se-multiplient-a-lyon-avec-la-canicule-des-habitants-s-interrogent-enedis-repond_64460956.html
