Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) will be carrying out planned maintenance and upgrading works on the 33,000volts Vuda-Rarawai-Tavua–Volivoli transmission circuit on Sunday 22 November 2020.

This work is being carried out to ensure reliability and security of power supply, EFL chief executive officer Hasmukh Patel said.

This work is scheduled to be carried out weather permitting on Sunday 22 nd November, 2020 from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

“The planned maintenance works requires that the 33,000volts Vuda-Rarawai-Tavua-Volivoli transmission line be de-energized for safety reasons. This will mean a planned power outage affecting our valued customers in parts of Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Nadarivatu and Rakiraki areas.

“The subject 33,000volts transmission line cable transports electricity from the Vuda Switching Station to Rarawai Zone Substation, Tavua and Volivoli in Rakiraki.”

Mr Patel outlined that during the maintenance period, power supply will be affected by EFL customers in the following areas:

Part of Vuda in Lautoka, Part of Kings Road from Sarava in Ba all the way to Navesau in Rakiraki including all areas within Ba, Tavua, Nadarivatu, Rakiraki (excluding Rakiraki Hospital Town) till Navesau in Rakiraki.

Itemized below pre-identified scope for maintenance and upgrading works that will be undertaken during this outage period.

Vuda – Rarawai 33kV Line:

 Install 33kV Isolator on Strain Structure on two poles

 Replace corroded line hardware on three Poles

 Change burnt Suspension ‘H’ Pole Structure

 Change rotten cross arms

 Change Rotten Suspension ‘H’ Pole Structure on two poles – Lololo & Vuda

 Upgrade Suspension ‘H’ Pole Structure to Strain ‘H’ Pole Structure to install 33kV ABS

Tavua Zone Substation:

 Inspect and test cable terminations on

Rarawai Zone Substation:

 Inspect 33kV/11kV Transformers T1 and T2

 Inspect 33kV structure and carry out rust treatment works

 Repair oil leaks on Buchholz relay for T1

 Carry out Inspection and repairs & maintenance on 11kV switchgear

 Carry out repairs & maintenance work on 11kV Capacitor Bank

Mr Patel said the planned maintenance works on the major transmission lines are being carried out on Sunday to minimize the number of customers affected and to minimize disruption to our commercial and industrial customers during the planned power outage.

“EFL sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused to all our valued customers in the affected areas starting from Vuda in Lautoka all the way to Navesau in Rakiraki including Ba, Tavua, Nadarivatu and surrounding areas who will be affected by this planned power shutdown, and seeks your kind understanding and cooperation.”