Credible sources have said the frequent power outages in Male' are caused by the failure to regularly fuel the State Electric Company (STELCO) tanks in Hulhumale'.
Adhadhu spoke to STELCO officials, government officials and experts who agreed that failure to fill up the tanks were causing the power outages.
Currently, STELCO refuels the tanks on a daily basis. This does not give the oil particles the time to settle at the bottom of the tanks. The power outage occurs because the particles block the filters and fuel does not reach the generator.
"So, the engine is turned off to ensure safety. To restore electricity, the filters have to be cleaned," sources told Adhadhu.
STELCO is forced to refuel its tanks daily due to insufficient fuel. State Trading Organization (STO) supplies fuel in limited quantities because of unpaid bills. STELCO cannot pay the bills because the government does not pay subsidies and government agencies do not pay electricity bills.
"If they start refuelling the tanks at least a day in advance, the problem is solved,” a source said.
A senior government official said this issue is unsolved because of the government.
"STELCO cannot pay STO because the Ministry of Finance does not pay STELCO and government offices do not pay their electricity bills,” he said.
A criminal investigation is underway in connection with the five-hour power outage in the Male' region on June 1. The region experienced a two-hour power cut on Saturday as well.
The investigation was launched on the orders of President Mohamed Muizzu, but police have so far only collected preliminary findings and information on the case.
Some people who spoke to Adhadhu said the police, army and the government officials are aware of the reason for the power outage on June 1.
"The army and police officers who went to STELCO to investigate on June 1 saw what happened. The filter was removed and the dirt particles were cleared in front of them," a source said.
