Oxford St Failure

[Dizzy]

Just received this email:

We have been advised about a power outtage in Oxford Circus area, and below is the latest update for your information.

Please be advised that there is currently an interruption to power supplies on the eastern side of Regent Street up to Oxford Circus and the northern side of Oxford Street. This is the result of the current heat wave causing the failure of components which has been exacerbated by the demand for power to fuel air conditioning etc. Although the area is fairly contained, because of its position it may cause disruption. We have been advised that no NHS facility is affected. Also the underground is expected to continue running, although traffic may be worse than usual because traffic lights may not be working.

I am currently liaising with other agencies, including the Cabinet Office, TfL, Met Police and local government. It is expected that the disruption may last a couple of days and there will be power outages lasting up to four hours at a time while the problem is addressed. I will keep you up to date when I receive further information.

Is this what is going to happen now - electricity overpowering due to too much air conditioning!!

[Princess Fi]

Originally Posted by Dizzy

Just received this email:

Is this what is going to happen now - electricity overpowering due to too much air conditioning!!

Well at least those of us in Jumpin Jaks in Glasgow are safe! (along with many other venues I'm sure)

[Feelingpink]

Originally Posted by Dizzy

J...Is this what is going to happen now - electricity overpowering due to too much air conditioning!!

Electricity was off in a lot of Soho from just after 10am until about 2.30pm, including the power to my lab Many of the shops just closed & went home and there were no traffic lights working around Piccadilly Circus. Grrrr. Is this the electricity board's equivalent of leaves on the line?

[RogerR]

No its a serious situation where several powerstations that would each have had a few weeks off line staggered, for summer maintenance are all off at the same time for MAJOR engineering work. There is NO spare electricity generating capacity ATM, and distributing what power there is is difficult. Hope that sept and Oct are warm.

[Feelingpink]

OK, I understand better now. But there (apparently) was no warning of the outage. Why not simply give warning to businesses - switch off one area for two hours, then another for two hours and so on? At least with notice, some businesses could make provisions to work around the outages to some extent.

[David Bailey]

Details are here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5222996.stm

This quote made me laugh:

Originally Posted by BBC article

On Thursday businesses were urged to switch off air conditioning

Yeah, right, let's do that then...

North London (Finchley / Barnet) had a power cut on Weds night too. Probably the wrong type of heat or something.