The Southern Region I of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced the restoration of a 230 kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the Yirgalem No. 2 and Hawassa No. 2 substations, which had been disrupted due to theft.

According to the region’s Transmission Lines Operation and Maintenance Manager, Mosisa Gelcha, the disruption occurred after a transmission tower collapsed as a result of theft-related damage to the line. Consequently, power transmission was interrupted from around 6:00 p.m. on March 11, 2026.

Mosisa explained that the damaged 230 kV steel tower was temporarily replaced with a 132 kV steel structure, allowing the previously interrupted line to resume operation.

Following the restoration, customers who had been receiving partial power supply are now able to access full electricity service. He also expressed appreciation to customers for their patience during the service interruption.

He further noted that work is underway to permanently resolve the issue by reinstalling the damaged tower and restoring the transmission line to its original standard configuration.