13 December, 2025, 2:55 pm Central - 26°C Rain
EFL

Lightning surge arrestor installation to boost western division power reliability

Lightning surge arrestor installation to boost western division power reliability

By Nilufa Buksh
13/11/2025

Power outage caused by lightening strikes will no longer be an issue for the Western Division as the Energy Fiji Limited will be carrying out critical upgrades on the Western 132kV Transmission Network this Sunday.

EFL CEO Fatiaki Gibson emphasizes this project is part of EFL’s broader efforts to strengthen the safety, reliability and resilience of electricity supply for customers in the Western Division.

He highlights that lightning strikes have been a key contributor to unplanned power cuts during the cyclone season, particularly between November and April.

He says the planned work, scheduled from 4am to 6pm, will involve the installation of lightning surge arrestors along the Nadarivatu–Vuda transmission corridor.

Gibson says the installation of lightning surge arrestors will help absorb and safely redirect excess voltage to the ground, protecting the grid and customer installations.

To conduct the installation safely, EFL will temporarily de-energise the 132kV line between the Nadarivatu Switching Station and the Vuda Zone Substation.

Meanwhile, EFL says customers should not expect any interruptions, as electricity will be supplied through EFL’s thermal generation plants in Vuda, Qeleloa, Nadi, Sigatoka, Pineapple Corner, Naikabula, Rarawai and Rakiraki.

The utility provider also acknowledges the support of major clients who will operate their own generators to help lighten the grid load.

EFL assures its customers that future lightning activity will be less likely to disrupt electricity supply.

FEATURE NEWS
Low chance of TD03F forming into Tropical Cyclone within 24 to 48 hours
The potential for Tropical Disturbance TD03F to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours is low.The Nadi Weather Office says the...
46 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
SODELPA expresses shock after FICAC charge Tanya Waqanika
The Social Democratic Liberal Party says they are shocked that one of their former party members has been charged by FICAC for allegedly opposing ...
7 minutes ago

Ro Veidovi laid to rest in Muaiqele after 185 years
After 185 years, Ro Veidovi Logavatu's ashes have now been laid to rest at his village sacred burial ground known as Muaiqele. His ashes were ...
34 minutes ago

Yavusa Burenivalu ready to bury remains of Ro Veidovi
The Yavusa Burenivalu are ready to bury the ashes of Ro Veidovi Logavatu, who was taken to the US in 1840 accused of murdering at least ten American ...
39 minutes ago

Naivalurua urges new RFMF recruits to uphold ethics on and off duty
Soldiers must think critically, communicate clearly and uphold ethical standards both on and off duty. Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua ...
3 hours ago

St Christopher’s Home children celebrate early Christmas with Ministry of Information
35 children of St Christopher’s Home in Nakasi were treated to an early Christmas as the Ministry of Information and National Archives of Fiji ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
1 day ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
1 day ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
5 days ago

TOP