A plan for controlled rolling power cuts in Attica is starting on Friday, according to the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), in order to avoid a blackout.
“There will be rolling power cuts in Attica in accordance with the instructions of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), which are essential to preserve the production/demand balance and ensure the smooth functioning of the electricity grid on the mainland,” HEDNO said.
It warned the public not to use lifts to avoid becoming trapped and be aware that power could come back without warning, so that all electric devices should be considered potentially ‘live’.
The areas where the power cuts are planned are:
Vrilissia, Halandri, Patima Halandriou, Penteli, Gerakas and Polydroso
Voula, Vari, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Kavouri, Glyfada, Lagonisi, Agia Marina
Kifissia, Pefki, Neo Iraklio, Metamorphosi, Marousi, Menidi, Nea Philadelphia, Lykovrisi, Galatsi, Ano Kypseli, Paleo Psychiko, Filothei, Nea Ionia, Agii Anargyri, Ilion, Nea Halkidona, Kamatero, Perissos, Ano Patissia
Ilioupoli, Alimos, Kalamaki, Agios Dimitrios, Kallithea, Neos Kosmos, Nea Smyrni, Argyroupolis, Hymettus, Glyfada, Dafni, Kareas, Paleo Faliro, Elliniko.
Markopoulo, Porto Rafti, Vravrona, Koropi, Kalyvia, Paiania, Keratea
Kalamos, Varnavas, Afidnes, Polydendri, Malakasa, Ippokratios Politia
Nea Makri, Marathonas, Schinias, Kato Souli, Mati, Agios Andreas, Pikermi, Rafina, Kallitechnoupoli, Dionysos
Ekali, Nea Erithrea, Agios Stefanos, Drosia, Stamata, Rodopoli, Dionysos, Anixi, Varybobi, Kryoneri
Spata, Markopoulo, Loutsa, Koropi.
The duration of these cuts will depend on how the fire unfolds, with every effort made to keep them to a minimum.
The public are asked to avoid using energy-consuming appliances (ovens, washing machines, water heaters etc) at peak times, between 13:00-15:00 and from 18:00-22:00, and to set their air-conditioning units at 26C.