power outtage, computers burnt out, company liable?

branzzz SG

my mum was wondering if the power company or its contractors are liable for any damage due to a power outtage and resultant surge.

a few weeks ago a company was scheduled to do maintenence work on the electrical cabling for my block. however the only notice they put up was at the block's lifts. as we live on the third level, we never use the lifts, instead we only use the staircase which is a distance away. as such, we never saw the notice until the power outtage. during the outtage, my computer and several other appliances were still turned on as we did not have any prior knowledge of the maintenece. after the power came back on, my father said he heard several loud popping noises. when i came back home, i found my motherboard of my computer and several kitchen appliances burnt out. my bro reports that a new computer will most likely have to be bought.

what are you guy's views on this?

Qitai SG

Depends on what is the requirement on informing residence on this currently.

Ideally, flyers should have been distributed to each household on top of the notice at the lift. And if the household is blind enough not to see either, then I see no reason to blame the maintenance people. If these are not done, then complian should be made.

However, I suspect that this may not be a required procedure. This means that according to law, there may be no party to blame for this situation. In that case, my ideal solution out of this is to have the government to pay the compensation out of good will and at the same time change the procedure requirement. Of course, I am assuming that this is not part of procedure at this point in time.