Power outages caused by lightning in the Western Division are set to become a less frequent occurrence as Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) moves forward with the installation of lightning surge arrestors. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce power disruptions and damage to infrastructure linked to lightning strikes, particularly during the high-risk months from November to April.
EFL has acknowledged that power outages resulting from lightning have historically led to unplanned service interruptions, particularly during stormy weather. The installation of these surge arrestors is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing the resilience of the electrical distribution and transmission networks against voltage spikes caused by natural discharges from storms.
“Lightning surge arrestors are pivotal in protecting electrical circuits by diverting excess voltage safely to the ground. In cases where a surge exceeds the device’s capacity, circuit breakers automatically trip to prevent high voltage from reaching customer installations, which can otherwise cause temporary outages,” the company stated.
To safely execute this installation, EFL will temporarily de-energize the 132kV transmission line that runs between the Nadarivatu switching station and the Vuda zone substation on November 16.
This strategic approach not only demonstrates EFL’s commitment to enhancing service reliability but also responds to previous incidents where lightning strikes have led to serious disruptions. For instance, recent outages have illustrated the challenges that EFL faces with severe weather conditions and how the infrastructure must adapt to these elements. By implementing robust protective measures, EFL is taking significant steps toward safeguarding their services.
As the company progresses with these upgrades, residents can look forward to a electricity supply that is more reliable, ultimately enhancing daily life and the economic vitality of the region. EFL’s ongoing dedication to infrastructure improvement paves the way for a brighter, more stable future in energy provision across Fiji.
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