Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) is accelerating efforts to restore electricity supply disrupted by a technical failure at the Beles 400/132/33 kV substation.

The outage was caused by a fault that led to the burning of a 125 MVA transformer, which steps down voltage from 400 kV to 132 kV, according to the plant’s manager, Mr. Yewgu Getie. The incident has significantly affected power supply to nearby industries and communities.

Prior to the failure, the substation supplied electricity at 132 kV to the Beles Sugar Factory and at 33 kV to towns in North Achefer Woreda. The disruption has since placed considerable pressure on the area’s power supply system.

As a temporary measure, efforts were made to restore supply by connecting directly to an existing transmission line. However, the approach posed serious safety risks, as faults in the line could potentially damage the power plant generator and compromise station safety.

EEP has since procured a replacement transformer to provide a long-term solution. The equipment, however, was delayed for about five months at the Sululta substation due to security and transportation challenges.

With these issues now resolved, the transformer has been delivered to the Beles substation and installation is in progress. The plant’s manager said work is being expedited to complete the remaining tasks and restore full power supply in the shortest possible time.