Today has been interesting (in the sense of “may you live in interesting times”). Human error at one of Taiwan’s nuclear power plants caused widespread power outages across several cities. In a massive overreaction, the Economic Affairs Minister has resigned. I don’t see how he would be directly responsible for the actions of one person….
By itself, a power outage wouldn’t be a problem. But in the midst of an extended heat wave (it hasn’t been below 32°C since June 19, and high humidity all the while) and a power shortage that has led to some rationing, it makes for a potentially dangerous situation. Eighteen months ago, Taiwan had unusually cold temperatures that killed nearly a hundred people. (The country builds for earthquakes and typhoons, not cold weather.) Now there’s the potential for heat exhaustion and death.
The deniers will have to remind me again why climate change is a fraud.
(Side note: In my area of Taipei, there was planned maintenance of electrical lines today. I don’t know if this was related to the widespread outtages or just happenstance.)
Power went down in Taipei at around 4:51 pm. This is due to 6 generators went down at a power plant affecting Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Miaoli, Nantou and Chiayi counties.
The black out has lead to traffic signals going out and officers sent to deal the the jam. Intenet speeds have slowed down, says Chungwha Telecom, more reports on the situation are coming out by the minute. Currently Taipower has said that they could have the plant back online by 8pm tonight, but this isn’t sure.
It was human error that caused the shut down, the technical operation encountered an error and forced the plant to shut down, says CNA.
Reports say that even the presidential office has been hit by the blackout, while this may or may not be true the traffic lights outside the office were reported to be out.
[…]
7:35 pm — Economic Affairs Minister Lee Chih-kung has resigned, Cabinet spokesman Hsu Kuo-yung said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOV96BCAvZc