The Ethiopian Electric Power transmission substation operations sector announced that theft of high-voltage transmission lines has risen by over twenty percent each year.
Mr. Habtamu Wube, an executive officer in the sector, warned that if the theft continues, it could threaten the national electric grid and make it ineffective.
He noted that while thefts were previously focused on the 132 kV transmission lines, there has been an increase in incidents targeting the 230 kV and 400 kV lines.
The company incurred losses exceeding 800 million birr due to theft in the 2016 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY), and an additional 200 million birr was spent on repairs, resulting in total losses of more than one billion birr.
They expressed concern that if the ongoing theft of high-voltage transmission lines persists, it could lead to not only property and energy losses but also hinder the national electric grid’s capacity to deliver essential services.
Mr. Habtamu emphasized that the national electric infrastructure is closely linked to national security, making it essential for everyone to play a role in finding a lasting solution to these issues.
Highlighting that the country’s energy consumption is increasing by over fifteen percent each year, the executive expressed significant concerns about meeting this rising demand and establishing the nation as Africa’s leading renewable energy hub.
Mr. Habtamu reported that 75 towers collapsed during the 2016 fiscal year. He explained that the challenging geographical conditions along the transmission lines make it difficult for the company to ensure their safety on its own.
He pointed out that inconsistent law enforcement, along with a lack of awareness among government agencies and the community, has intensified the problem of theft.
The executive officer mentioned that the company is collaborating with various security and government organizations, including the National Intelligence and Security Service, to combat the theft of electrical infrastructure. He urged everyone in society to take their national responsibilities seriously and help prevent such thefts.
Ethiopian Electric Power oversees more than 40,000 transmission towers, over 20,000 kilometers of transmission lines, and 307 lines that link substations to one another and to power plants.