A sudden power outage plunged parts of Malé and Hulhumalé into darkness on Sunday afternoon, starting around 12:30 PM. The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) confirmed the disruption, attributing it to an unforeseen technical issue.
“Due to a technical issue, electricity service has been interrupted in Malé and Hulhumalé. Efforts are underway to identify and resolve the problem. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” STELCO stated.
The blackout disrupted daily life across the capital region, affecting residential areas and businesses alike. Residents reported sudden losses of power, with some areas experiencing extended outages.
This incident adds to a series of recent power-related challenges in the Greater Malé area. In May 2025, a man was arrested for damaging STELCO power cables in Malé, leading to outages in several residences . Earlier, in July 2024, cable theft at a STELCO substation near Majeedhiyya School prompted power cuts in some Malé areas .
To enhance the grid’s resilience, STELCO has been working on infrastructure upgrades. In March 2025, the company inaugurated the Annex-2 power plant in Hulhumalé, equipped with 12 generator sets totaling 19.2 MW capacity, aiming to meet the growing electricity demand during peak periods. Additionally, a backup power plant with a capacity of 20.2 MW was commissioned in the Malé region in June 2023 .
Despite these efforts, the recent blackout underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring a stable power supply for the rapidly growing urban population. STELCO has assured the public that restoration efforts are underway and urges residents to stay informed through official channels for updates on the situation.
