Ruthlyn Johnson, communications spokesperson for the JPS, said the company was working assiduously to restore power to the affected customers by 10 p.m.

According to the power company, the fire started from an internal fault in one of the transformers at the substation.

A press release from the JPS yesterday said the situation developed after criminals stole oil from a transformer in the substation on Saturday evening. The release said the theft resulted in an interruption in the power supply on Saturday, but the matter had been rectified early yesterday morning after the oil was replaced.

JPS representatives said yesterday that the damage suffered by the removal of the oil caused an internal fault, which resulted in the fire in the transformer.

Conducting an investigation

Johnson said the matter had been reported to the Clarendon police, who are conducting an investigation.

"We have not made a breakthrough in the situation as yet, but we are hoping someone will come forward with some information," she said.

Areas without electricity up to press time yesterday included Aderleigh Avenue, Ashley, Belle Plain, Belmont, Berrydale, Breadnut Valley, Clarendon Gardens, Clarendon Park, Denbigh, Ebony Park, Four Paths, Glenmuir Avenue, Mineral Heights, Mocho, Mount Pleasant, Palmers Cross, Parnassus, Scotts Pass, York Town and surrounding areas.