Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) is set to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the Western Division by installing lightning surge arrestors along the 132kV Nadarivatu–Vuda transmission line this Sunday, from 4 am to 6 pm, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. This important initiative is aimed at reducing unplanned outages caused by lightning strikes, particularly during the hot and humid months from November to April.
The installation of lightning surge arrestors is a critical step in protecting circuits from voltage spikes, which occur when excess electricity is diverted safely to the ground. Should a spike exceed the capacity of the arrestors, circuit breakers will trip, thereby preventing potential damage to customer installations.
To facilitate this work, EFL will de-energize the 132kV line between the Nadarivatu Switching Station and the Vuda Zone Substation during the scheduled period. The company assures customers that electricity supply will remain uninterrupted through thermal power stations located at Vuda, Qeleloa, Nadi, Sigatoka, Pineapple Corner, Naikabula, Rarawai, and Rakiraki, guaranteeing a consistent supply across the Western Division from Matanipusi Hill to Navesau. Therefore, service is only expected to be disrupted in the event of a thermal generation failure or an unrelated fault in the network.
This planned maintenance has been strategically scheduled for Sunday to minimize disruption to customers, and EFL expresses appreciation to major customers who are able to operate their generators to alleviate the demand on the grid during this time. Should weather conditions prove unfavorable, the installation will be postponed, with customers being advised accordingly.
EFL emphasizes the importance of safety by reminding the public to treat every power line as live and to maintain a safe distance at all times. Maintenance work like this is essential to bolstering the electricity infrastructure and ensuring that the communities served can enjoy a stable and reliable power supply, further highlighting EFL’s commitment to improving service efficiency and safety in the region.