Chile Faces Widespread Power Outage Impacting Major Regions

A massive power outage struck Chile on February 25, 2025, affecting 14 regions from Arica to Los Lagos. The blackout commenced at 3:16 p.m. due to a failure in the 500 kV transmission system in the Norte Chico area. While critical services remain operational, the cause is under investigation. Authorities are working to restore power quickly, assuring public safety and service reliability.

On February 25, 2025, Chile experienced a significant power outage that impacted a wide geographic area, from the northern city of Arica to the southern Los Lagos region. The blackout, which began at 3:16 p.m. local time, affected 14 of the country’s 16 regions and spanned over 3,100 kilometers, according to the National Electrical Coordinator.

The outage was linked to a disconnection within the 500 kilovolt transmission system located in the Norte Chico region. The cause of this disconnection remains unknown and is currently under investigation. Emergency response agencies have been mobilized to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the public.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha indicated that there was no indication of foul play, describing the event as a “system failure” and providing reassurance that critical services have backup systems in place. She added, “The service should be restored soon.”

In the wake of the outage, Santiago’s metro system came to a temporary halt while assessments of the overall impact were conducted. Various establishments, including shopping malls and liquor stores, were affected as personnel adjusted operations in response to the blackout.

Authorities are working diligently to resolve the issue and restore power to affected areas promptly, maintaining communication with citizens about the ongoing situation and expected recovery timelines.

The widespread power outage in Chile on February 25, 2025, demonstrates vulnerabilities in the national power transmission system, with impacts felt across most regions. While emergency services have been activated and critical infrastructure has backup systems, the root cause of the failure remains under investigation. Officials aim to restore power swiftly, reassuring the public that measures are in place to ensure safety and service continuity. This incident highlights the importance of stable power infrastructure and effective emergency response protocols.

Original Source: english.news.cn