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.
