C and E Brothers Steel Factory said that its productivity has been steadily increasing due to a reliable power supply.
According to Mr. Yosef Mulugeta, Deputy General Manager of the factory located in Bishoftu town, C and E Brothers is one of Ethiopia’s leading steel producers. Since its establishment in 2003, the factory has grown to employ more than 650 permanent staff, over 45 temporary workers, as well as foreign professionals who offer specialized technical support.
Mr. Yosef recalled that frequent power outages, which are particularly disruptive for energy-intensive industries like steel manufacturing, used to severely impact their operations. In response, the company partnered with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) to construct and commission its own 132-kilovolt substation. This substation receives electricity from two sources—Koka and Gelan—ensuring a more stable power supply.
The Deputy General Manager explained that this development significantly reduced outages, contributing to improved operational efficiency. He also noted that the substation is managed under a service-level agreement, with EEP professionals providing operational oversight and technical support.
Currently, the factory consumes up to 10 megawatts of power. With reliable electricity now secured, the factory has been allocated 10,000 hectares of land by the city administration for expansion, which is already underway.
Addressing infrastructure theft, Mr. Yosef stated, “We recognize that the theft of electrical infrastructure poses a serious risk to our operations.” To mitigate this threat, the company enforces a strict screening process for incoming scrap metal and works closely with security forces when suspicious materials are detected.
Mr. Tasew Tekle, who heads the 132-kilovolt substation for the factory under Ethiopian Electric Power, confirmed that the dual-source connection from Koka and Gelan has enabled uninterrupted power supply. He added that while the substation is capable of delivering up to 40 megawatts, the factory currently utilizes only 10 megawatts.
Mr. Tasew further affirmed that EEP is well-equipped to meet the factory’s future energy demands as it expands its operations.
