Referee John Beaton felt he had no option but to call off the first Highland derby of the new season after floodlight failure at Victoria Park after half-time last night.
Ross County and Caley Thistle were level at 0-0 before the lights went off, and although power was temporarily restored, another failure meant the game was called off.
The delay was 30 minutes in total and the safety of the players was Beaton’s concern.
He said: “It is the first time I have abandoned a match, certainly at this level. We gave it as long as we could.
“The police had said if they went again they could not really leave it any longer. Unfortunately that was the case.
“I don’t think anybody knows at this stage what caused it. I don’t know if there was some sort of overload on the system, they kind of alluded to that.”
Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher said: “Ultimately it is the referee’s decision and we came to an agreement that third time around we could not leave it any longer. Everyone understands that. The players had been inactive for the best part of 30 minutes and health and safety for the players has to be considered.
“With supporters sitting in the dark as well we could not leave it any longer. They managed to get the lights back on but this time we were left in the dark – I have never seen anything like this.
“We were disappointed because I thought we were doing all right in the first half, without really creating too many chances.
“It was just a case of being more ruthless in the final third and having more composure.
“I thought there was more to come from us but the game was boiling up nicely and I was looking forward to the second half.
“You can’t pass the ball in the dark – although we have played like it at times this season.
“It is frustrating but at least we could have four-and-a-half Highland derbies this season, that is the only good thing.”
County manager Derek Adams said: “I am disappointed. I thought we had a good opportunity to win the match and did well enough in the first half to contain them. I thought the advantage was with us and that we were going to go on and win the match. It is frustrating for everybody involved.”