Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU ) will repair and update electric power supply lines in six towns in the country. The process will get funding from the World Banks’s (WB) International Development Association (IDA) and the government.
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The Project
The project will take place in Shashamane, Harar Gondor, Debre Marqos, Wolaita Sodo and Adigrat. The process is going to help avoid the blackouts that happen often in these towns. Old electric power supply lines in Addis Ababa and in the towns according to EEU is the why there are many irregular power blackouts.
A major repairing project worth $162 million is being carried out in Addis Ababa, where its pace has already reached 68pc. The project was started in October 2016 and is going to be completed in 2018.
Carrying out of a usefulness study for the project took place in 2016 by Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP). Collection of data from the cities took place after the study. This was to rate the level of the electric network fitting, transmission levels and the needs for the repair works.
Focus Areas
The project will mainly center on three areas .
- keeping of the medium current lines in good condition, supply systems with currents above one kilovolt
- Repairing of 60pc of the low current, currents supplied through overhead lines and underground cables
- keeping of 157 transformers in good condition.
In 14 towns, where repairing of transmission lines is ongoing connection of 150,000 energy meters will take place.
According to Mr .Gossaye Mengiste, CEO of the Utility the repair will make positive changes on the full length of power blackouts and bring down the rate of the cut ins.
The aim of the project is to carry out the project within a year after its beginning. The go ahead for the project is going to be in December 2017.
Electrical engineer and power and energy expert Tigabu Atalo is the consultant for the project.
