Almost 8,000 people were affected by a power outage this morning in the west and central parishes.A spokeswoman for Belco said: “At 1.02am on Monday, 21, Belcos system initiated a load shed when one East Power Station engine tripped, followed by two more engines. Approximately 7,900 customers on 14 circuits in West and Central parishes were affected.“Power was restored by system operators, who gradually brought all customers back online between 1.40am to 1.55am. Belco’s system is operating normally. The cause remains under investigation.”