Ex-Ballers Power Up Chiayi After Typhoon Fury
Former Taiwanese baseball stars now Taiwan Power lineworkers restore electricity to thousands
When Typhoon Danas battered southern Taiwan, its fierce winds felled countless utility poles. In Chiayi, over 360,000 residents faced darkness. Amidst the massive power restoration effort, two familiar faces emerged: former international baseball players Luo Zhenrong and Ke Dongrong, now lineworkers for Taiwan Power.
From Diamond to Power Lines
Luo Zhenrong, who earned a silver medal for Taiwan in the 1992 Baseball World Cup, and pitcher Ke Dongrong were among the dedicated crews working tirelessly. They brought the same competitive spirit to their new roles, aiming to bring back the lights for affected households.
The pair echoed the sentiment of their past careers, stating, Resuming electricity is like playing baseball, and you must fight to the last moment.
Their commitment ensured homes were reconnected, demonstrating the same drive that defined their athletic achievements.
Massive Restoration Effort
The Chiayi District of Taiwan Power reported that repairs commenced on the 14th, with full restoration achieved by 8 p.m. on the 19th. This event marked one of the most significant power outages in the region’s history, impacting hundreds of thousands.
Mobilizing resources from across the island, crews worked around the clock. The final transmission task brought stable power back to the entire Chiayi area.
Ensuring Every Home is Lit
Taiwan Power personnel went door-to-door in affected areas, coordinating with village leaders to confirm that all residences had been reconnected. While the vast majority of power was restored, some households with internal wiring issues or structural damage preventing reconnection will receive continued support.
In related news, the National Grid Authority reported that grid resilience continues to be a focus for infrastructure development. For instance, in 2023, upgrades to Japan’s power grid aimed to withstand an estimated 1.5 times the wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA 2023).
