The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has commenced a major ₦3.5 billion network rehabilitation and upgrade programme aimed at improving the quality, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply across parts of Enugu State.
The projects are being implemented under the distribution sector recovery programme, an initiative of the federal government and supported by the World Bank.
Managing Director of MEDL, Ernest Mapwaya, told newsmen in Enugu on Thursday, that the projects would strengthen Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector through metering, rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, reduction of technical and commercial losses, and improvement in service delivery.
He said that the first phase of the scope of the projects cover the rehabilitation and upgrading of the following critical infrastructure: the 9th Mile injection substation; the 9th Mile industrial feeder; and the Coca-Cola 33 kV feeder.
“It will also cover installation of seven new 500 kVA, 11/0.415 kV distribution transformers; rehabilitation of 10 existing 500 kVA distribution transformers; and provision of 11 kV switchgear to improve system protection, control and operational flexibility.
“The works are expected to be completed within five weeks. Contractors will work daily, including weekends, to ensure timely delivery,” he said.
The managing director stressed that a major component of the project is the upgrade of the approximately 28-kilometre Coca-Cola 33 kV line running from the Oji River transmission station to the 9th Mile injection substation.
“The line, which currently operates on a 50mm² aluminium conductor single circuit, will be upgraded to a 150mm² aluminium conductor steel reinforced double circuit.
“The upgraded line will have a combined design thermal transfer capability of up to 36mw, subject to prevailing system conditions, voltage regulation and other operational requirements.
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“The additional capacity will strengthen electricity supply to the 9th Mile industrial axis and support existing and prospective industrial customers,” he said.
Mapwaya said that the beneficiaries would include Sapphire, 7-Up, Honest Material, Coca-Cola, Wisdo, Enugu Water Works and others, as well as customers supplied through the 11 kV industrial feeder.
He noted that the project would also relieve the Kingsway 2 line, which serves Ogui and the Hilltop axis, thereby improving network flexibility and reliability in those areas.
On the 9th Mile power corridor, he noted that the existing undersized 70mm² aluminium conductor on the 9th Mile 11 kV industrial feeder would be replaced with a 150mm² aluminium conductor from the injection substation.
