Lukoml power station not fully operational yet

One energy block out of eight at the Lukoml power station in the Vitsebsk region remains out of operation after the accident yesterday blacked out parts of the nation. Mikhail Bondar, the station's deputy director in charge of ideology, told Interfax news agency that it was allegedly "in reserve" but "had no operational problems". Works are under way to launch the last generator soon, he said.

"The station works in a normal mode. The Belarusian energy system works under full control", Bondar stressed.

A special government commission continues to invetigate the causes of yesterday's accident. The commission is expected to release a report in ten days.