A massive power outage affected 6.88 million households in 17 counties and cities in Taiwan Tuesday afternoon, the island's economic authority told a press conference.
Human error during the supply of natural gas to Tatan Power Plant in Taoyuan caused six generators to stop working at 4:51 p.m, according to the island's economic authority, which is responsible for power supply.
Repairs to restore the power supply is underway and the blackout should end soon.
Tatan Power Plant is Taiwan's major natural gas power plant. The plant is vital as Taiwan suffers from power shortages amid scorching summer weather.
Taipei has had at least ten days with maximum temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius, leading to peaks in power consumption.
A coal-fired generator at Ho-Ping Power Plant in Hualien County broke down early Tuesday. Taiwan Power Corporation (or Taipower) previously said that the breakdown would not affect Taiwan's power supply.
The island's major commercial districts including Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan suffered blackouts Tuesday afternoon.
Taiwan's electricity reserves were cut when a pylon operated by Ho-Ping Power Plant was blown over by Typhoon Nesat on July 29.
