The Bishoftu 400 KV substation has announced that efforts are underway to address the increasing power demand.

According to Mr. Sisay Aychew, the substation manager, the substation receives electricity from the Gelan substation via a 400 KV double circuit. The power is then distributed to the Bishoftu, Dukem II, and Mojo substations, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the region.

He noted that when the substation first began operations, it only had two 230/15KV power transformers, each with a capacity of 100 MVA.

He further explained that two additional 230/33KV power transformers, each with a capacity of 100 MVA, were installed to meet the growing demand for outgoing power from the 33KV network in the area.

The manager explained that while initial rehabilitation and expansion efforts were sufficient to meet energy demands, the rapid industrial expansion in the substation area has led to a rise in energy demand.

Mr. Sisay further stated that although the 400/230KV auto transformers have the capacity to serve more customers, the power transformers supplying energy to the transmission lines are unable to meet the growing demand due to the fast-paced increase in local energy needs.

Although the substation has 22 outgoing lines of 15 and 33KV, two of the outgoing lines from the 33KV network are currently inactive.

Ato Sisay mentioned that the demand for energy is growing faster than initially anticipated, and in response, the substation plans to install a temporary mobile substation to help meet the increasing energy needs.

The substation manager stated that the location for the mobile substation is currently being identified, with additional research underway to address the growing power demand.

Furthermore, he emphasized that plans are in place to carry out rehabilitation and expansion works to sustainably meet the energy needs of both the community and local industries.

The Bishoftu III substation has been providing service since July 2020.