GE launches investigation into electrical substation explosion

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched to uncover the cause of an explosion at one of Guernsey's 400-plus electrical substations.

Guernsey Electricity operations director Bob Beebe yesterday said the States-owned utility was doing all it could to establish the reasons behind the 'very rare' fault.

The short-circuit at Rue du Hechet substation, next to Hechet Farm, Castel, occurred at 7pm on Sunday night, causing high flames and a power outage in the area for more than two hours.

'We are carrying out a detailed investigation into the root cause,' he said.

'We need to understand what has gone on inside it. This is very rare. I don't think I have seen one like that.'

Mr Beebe also gave assurances that all its substations met UK standards, were regularly maintained and checked.