On April 16, 2025, a significant power outage hit the center of Łódź, causing widespread disruption for residents, businesses, and drivers. According to reports, the Center for Traffic Management confirmed that signaling systems at approximately 40 intersections were affected, leading to traffic chaos in the city.
As of 13:07, power was out in several locations, including Janiszew, Marianów Górny, and Muchnów in the Kutno district. Notably, in Janiszew, power was scheduled to be cut from 11:00 to 14:00 on the same day, adding to the frustration of local residents.
The outage began at 12:14 when a failure occurred at the Łódź Śródmieście station, impacting 124 transformer stations and approximately 16,000 customers. "The failure initially affected 124 transformer stations, which translated to 16,000 customers," stated Andrzej Murawski from the Łódź branch of PGE. He added that most of the affected customers had been reconnected via alternative lines, but crews were still working on restoring power to the remaining customers and fixing a blocked medium voltage outflow field at the station.
The outage was attributed to planned maintenance and modernization efforts by energy providers, which are common reasons for such disruptions. However, the situation escalated due to technical failures, leading to widespread inconvenience.
In addition to the immediate impact of the power outage, residents are advised on how to handle such situations. The first step is to check the circuit breakers in their homes. If the problem persists, they should report the outage by calling 991, a free hotline available 24/7 for reporting power failures. It is also recommended to verify with neighbors whether they are experiencing similar issues.
For those looking to pass the time during a power outage, activities like board games, reading, or organizing personal belongings can be a good distraction. It's also wise to keep flashlights and candles on hand for emergencies, as outages can often occur in the evening.
In the Kutno district, additional planned outages are scheduled. On April 29, from 8:15 to 16:15, power will be cut in Kąty, affecting multiple addresses. Furthermore, in the Radomsko district, planned outages are set for Grodzisko on April 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 and again from 11:00 to 13:00.
Power outages can stem from a variety of causes, including weather conditions, construction work, and maintenance activities. Heavy storms, fallen trees, and even theft of electrical wiring can lead to unexpected outages. As such, residents are encouraged to stay informed about their local power supply and any scheduled maintenance that may affect their service.
While the current disruptions in Łódź are a hassle, they serve as a reminder of the importance of a reliable power supply and the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements. The city is working diligently to restore power and ensure that such outages are minimized in the future.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay updated through local news and the PGE website, which provides information about outages and restoration efforts.
