The Southern Grid Expansion Project is set to provide a lasting solution to the power supply instabilities currently affecting the Arba Minch No. 1 Substation, according to the substation’s in charge.

Substation in Charge Mintesnot Mamo explained that although the substation’s transformers have sufficient capacity, several systemic issues have historically hindered reliability.

Currently, the substation relies on a single-direction power feed that lacks an independent protection system. Because the facility serves as the primary power provider for the Gamo Zone, these technical limitations have frequently resulted in supply disruptions.

Mintesnot further noted that the station has previously depended on the Wolaita Sodo No. 1 Substation for data and troubleshooting support. This dependency has often created significant challenges in resolving technical issues promptly.

Additionally, the existing distribution lines cover long distances and overlap extensively, placing excessive pressure on the station’s circuit breakers and affecting the stability of the local grid.

The Southern Grid Expansion Project, which is nearing completion, is designed to eliminate these bottlenecks and ensure a more reliable power supply through a modern ring-system integration.

Under this configuration, the existing Arba Minch No. 1 Substation will be connected to the newly constructed Arba Minch No. 2 Substation, allowing the facility to receive power from two directions for the first time.

In addition to providing this critical redundancy, the Arba Minch No. 2 Substation will absorb a significant portion of the current electrical load, directly reducing the pressure on the older facility.

The new transmission line connecting the two substations will feature its own dedicated protection system, enabling operators to detect and resolve interruptions more quickly and independently.

Originally commissioned in the 1980s, the Arba Minch No. 1 Substation has undergone multiple capacity upgrades over the decades to meet the region’s growing electricity demand.

The facility currently operates with two main transformers, six 15 kV outgoing lines, and two 33 kV outgoing lines, all of which are expected to benefit from the enhanced grid stability provided by the expansion project.