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Republic of Georgia Blackout Reportedly Linked to Hydropower Station Tests

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A nationwide blackout across the Republic of Georgia on Wednesday evening was possibly triggered by tests that were taking place at the Inguri Hydroelectric Power Station, multiple media outlets reported, citing the National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission.

A Tblisi resident toldthat they lost power on Wednesday evening for about one hour and that the water supply was off for several more after that.

NefteGaz RU reported that the blackout caused disruption within the Tblisi Metro system and disruption on the national rail network.

Interfax reported that commission member Giorgi Pangani posted on social media that the purpose of the tests at the 1970s-era power plant was to identify system weaknesses following two outages in late July.

The tests included the operating of the national power system in an isolated mode, which carried the risk of a nationwide system shut-down, according to the report, citing Pangani.

Pangani said the shutdown took place while the tests were being carried out and that an analysis of the incident was being carried out "to determine the exact cause."

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