Soon Yong Trading Pte Ltd, an earthworks contractor, was fined $150,000 for damaging a 66kV high voltage electricity cable on 26 August 2010. This disrupted electricity supply to areas in Bishan and Ang Mo Kio, as well as train services at thirteen MRT stations.

Investigation Findings

Energy Market Authority (EMA) found that Soon Yong Trading Pte Ltd had damaged a 66kV high voltage electricity cable while carrying out excavation works along the Central Expressway to install manholes and lay pipes for telecommunications cables (see Annex for photographs of the damaged cable at the worksite).

Despite being aware of the presence of high voltage electricity cables at the worksite, the company had failed to dig adequate trial holes to locate the exact position of the cable, as advised by SP PowerGrid Ltd (SPPG). Such trial holes help to identify the actual location of electricity cables underground before the excavation works are carried out. 

Preventing Cable Damage

To prevent damage to electricity cables, contractors are required to obtain electricity cable plans from SPPG and to engage a Licensed Cable Detection Worker to ascertain the location of electricity cables in the work area before the commencement of earthworks such as excavation and piling. Contractors must also notify SPPG seven days before they commence earthworks in the vicinity of any high voltage electricity cables. Upon receiving such notification, SPPG will advise contractors on the necessary measures to be undertaken to prevent damage to electricity cables, such as the use of cable locater devices to detect cables and the digging of trial holes to ascertain the location of cables. All contractors are required to comply with SPPG’s advice.

EMA will take action against those who contravene Section 85 of the Electricity Act and cause damage to electricity cables.  Contractors who fail to comply with this requirement face a fine of up to $1 million or a jail term up to 5 years or both.