Cyclone Vaianu damages power network as restoration progresses across Viti Levu

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has caused significant damage to Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) power infrastructure, disrupting electricity supply across parts of Viti Levu.

EFL chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson said teams have been working around the clock to restore power, despite access challenges on April 8, with crews continuing repairs late into the night.

Restoration efforts are being prioritised to critical services, including hospitals and health centres, water and sewerage systems without backup generation, central business districts and key commercial areas, followed by residential communities.

In the Western Division, EFL restored several key 33kV transmission lines, including the Waqadra–Nawai–Momi, Vuda–Voivoi, Vuda–Naikabula and Vuda–Rarawai circuits, enabling power to be reconnected to areas such as Tavua and Volivoli.

Improved weather conditions on April 9 allowed teams to accelerate work on distribution lines, with many affected areas now reconnected.

EFL said all distribution lines were being systematically inspected, with undamaged lines re-energised and faulty sections isolated for repair.

However, a fault on the 132kV transmission line between Wailoa Power Station and the Cunningham Road Zone Substation significantly restricted hydroelectric power supply to the Central Division.

At peak demand of about 115 megawatts, EFL operated with limited generation capacity of around 62 megawatts from thermal stations at Kinoya, Rokobili, Deuba and Korovou, resulting in temporary power rationing across parts of the division.

Major commercial and industrial customers were also asked to switch to backup generation to ease pressure on the grid.

EFL said higher-than-expected demand placed additional strain on the system, causing some deviations from planned outage schedules.

Mr Gibson said repair works on the main Wailoa–Cunningham transmission line were completed and the line was safely re-energised at 6.25pm on April 9.

“All customers in the Central Division are now being connected to the EFL power grid,” he said.

He said restoration efforts remain ongoing across the Central and Western divisions, with safety checks required before power can be restored.

“Power cannot be restored based on assumptions, as energising damaged infrastructure could result in serious injury, fatalities, or property damage,” Mr Gibson said.

EFL has apologised for the disruptions and thanked customers for their patience as restoration work continues.