Significant delays in backup power station installation leave Mýrdalshreppur vulnerable during outages in Iceland
In Mýrdalshreppur, a municipality in Iceland, significant delays in the installation of a backup power station have left the area vulnerable during recent power outages. The absence of backup power was acutely felt when electricity was lost over the weekend due to a cable break under the Skógá river. This incident mirrored a similar disruption that occurred in September when another cable was damaged.
Einar Freyr Elínarson, the mayor of Mýrdalshreppur, expressed his frustration regarding the lack of backup electricity during these outages. He noted that because there is no ring connection for the electricity in the region, power cannot be redirected from other areas. Without proper backup, the entire area remains susceptible to power loss.
The municipality relies heavily on electricity to support various facilities, including large kitchens catering to tourists and residential heating, highlighting the serious consequences of these outages.
Örvar Ármannsson, the head of the electricity department at RARIK, explained that the backup station intended for Vík had been transported during the summer months. However, various complications, such as challenges in supply and installation, have hindered its operational capability. Although the machine is nearing completion, certain upgrades to its control system are still pending.
The mayor’s dissatisfaction stems from the realization that three months after the initial outage, the situation remains unresolved. The increased water levels in the Skógá river over the weekend have further complicated the infrastructure repair timeline, leaving local authorities uncertain about when full restoration can be achieved.