Here are some reported power and network outages for September 14, 2015.
About: The ORBIT project works on new solutions for business continuity. As a result we are interested in outages of any kind, affecting technical systems. We monitor the web for reported service disruptions, primarily in the area of IT networks. The idea is to provide a better grip on all the different causes for power and network outages.
Here are our most recent finds, including links to the original source:
Scammers redirect bank clients to fishing account after outage
This is kind of new (but might come up more often in the future): It is by now usual that during outages companies try to keep their customers updated with quick messages and links to status boards (which are often quite scarce in terms of providing information). In the UK, scammers used this and created a false Twitter account during an outage of the Royal Bank of Scotland luring them away under the title “NatWest_Quick”. Via a link customers were than asked for account information.
Source: Finextra
Persisting power outages in Abuja
Energy companies draw heavy criticism from politicians because of “persistent power outages” in Abuja, Nigeria. A lawmaker for the district said that the unreliability of the energy services does have negative effects on the economy. Quote: ““Factories are closing down every day and manufacturers are moving to other countries.’’ Even alternatives like solar power had not been effective so far, as street lights being powered by this alternative were not working effectively.
Source: Premium Times
Squirrel causes power outage for 2.600 people
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA a squirrel got into the equipment and caused a power outage. Fox 17 News links to a Consumer Energy Outage map for more information. Tools like such a map, where outages can be visualized and tracked will presumably be in much use as monitoring options evolve. Link: Consumers Energy Outages Map. Source: Fox 17
20.000 Dublin homes without electricity after fire
A fire in an substation resulted in a power outage affecting 20.000 households and businesses in south Dublin, Ireland. The outage lasted from early morning on September12, 2015 to roughly 11:00 AM . There was no insight why the fire broke out.
Source: RTE



