Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has notified its customers of a critical hot-spot fault identified at the 132kV Nadarivatu switching station, prompting urgent repairs to avert a potential catastrophic failure that could lead to extended power outages in the Western Division. EFL’s Chief Executive Officer, Fatiaki Gibson, emphasized the necessity of addressing this fault as soon as possible.
To facilitate the necessary repairs, EFL technicians will shut down the 132kV transmission line connecting the Nadarivatu switching station with the Vuda Zone Substation. Repair teams are en route to Nadarivatu, but their progress has been hindered by flooding in certain areas of the Western and Central Divisions.
Once the repair crews reach the site, they will isolate the transmission line and begin repairs, a process projected to take about five hours. During this time, the electricity supply for the Western Division of Viti Levu will be temporarily supplemented by thermal generating power stations located in Vuda, Sigatoka, Rakiraki, Rarawai, Pineapple Corner, and Naikabula. Additionally, renewable energy facilities at Nabou and Butoni will contribute to the power supply.
However, EFL has warned that this temporary capacity will be insufficient to satisfy the full electricity demands of the Western Division, resulting in power outages for some areas while repairs are being conducted. Despite these challenges, EFL is making efforts to minimize disruptions and restore stability to the power supply as quickly as possible.
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