E-distribución, the subsidiary of Redes de Endesa, has initiated a campaign to examine all the electrical cabinets in the San Vicente Ferrer area and its surroundings to identify any potential issues following the death of a dog allegedly electrocuted.
Technicians from Endesa have confirmed several instances of electrical setups where cables appeared to be impaired due to direct damage from rodents. However, this situation posed no danger to passers-by, as the wiring was safeguarded by the protective casing of the infrastructure.
In this context, the company has reiterated in a statement that only personnel from the electrical firm are authorised to open and handle electrical manholes.
So far, the company has inspected over 300 manholes within the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The participating teams will persist with this work in the forthcoming days until they reach a total of 500 inspected underground electrical installations.
When wear on the wiring covers is detected due to rodent activity, remediation and protection with insulating materials are enacted. Measures have also been taken in several manholes to bolster the sealing of their access points.
This particular group of operators was deployed following the tragic incident last Tuesday when a dog died after stepping on one of the covers on San Vicente Ferrer Street, an event that technicians have described as “uncommon.”
The company has indicated that it continues to investigate the circumstances to ascertain if there was indeed a fault and, if confirmed, what could have caused it.
In the forthcoming weeks, Endesa will compile all gathered information and will be able to provide the technical report it is drafting regarding this unfortunate occurrence to the relevant authorities.
The company aims to reassure the public, emphasising that the inspections of the manholes in the vicinity of the incident were conducted as a precautionary measure, and technicians have verified that these are safe structures for pedestrians.
Indeed, manholes are the most prevalent electrical installations found in urban environments.
Endesa has reached out to the owner of the deceased dog, expressing gratitude for the amicable interaction during their discussion, extending condolences, and offering any assistance needed due to the loss.
Representatives from E-distribution have also maintained contact with the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council throughout this process.