Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) is taking significant measures to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the Western Division by planning the installation of lightning surge arrestors along the 132kV Nadarivatu–Vuda transmission line this Sunday. The maintenance work is slated to take place from 4 am to 6 pm, pending favorable weather conditions. This initiative aims to mitigate unplanned outages caused by lightning strikes, which are particularly common during the hot and humid months from November to April.
The installation of lightning surge arrestors plays a vital role in safeguarding circuits from harmful voltage spikes. These spikes can occur when excess electricity is directed safely to the ground. If a spike surpasses the protecting capabilities of the arrestors, circuit breakers will activate to prevent potential damage to customer installations.
During the scheduled maintenance, EFL will temporarily de-energize the 132kV line between the Nadarivatu Switching Station and the Vuda Zone Substation. Fortunately, customers won’t experience interruptions in electricity supply, as thermal power stations located at Vuda, Qeleloa, Nadi, Sigatoka, Pineapple Corner, Naikabula, Rarawai, and Rakiraki will work to ensure a consistent power supply throughout the Western Division, from Matanipusi Hill to Navesau. Service will only be impacted if there is a failure in thermal generation or an unrelated network fault.
By scheduling this maintenance on a Sunday, EFL aims to minimize potential disruptions for customers. The company appreciates those major customers who can operate their generators, further alleviating the demand on the grid during this period. If weather conditions hinder the planned work, EFL will postpone the installation and inform customers accordingly.
EFL has also stressed the importance of safety during this maintenance, urging the public to treat all power lines as live and maintain a safe distance. Such maintenance efforts are crucial for strengthening the electricity infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply for the community. This initiative reflects EFL’s ongoing commitment to improving service efficiency and safety in the region, fostering a more stable energy future for all.