EEU announces 26bln birr to address power outage

Addis Ababa, May 16, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEP) has allocated 26 billion birr to address power outages across the nation.

Speaking to Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC), CEO of EEP Shiferaw Telila, stated that the Utility is undertaking restoration and reconstruction of power facilities nationwide with a view to alleviate power outage in several parts of the country.

Maintenance works are being carried out in Addis Ababa with a budget of 10 billion birr focusing on power line feeders in the capital, he said.

The CEO explained that old wooden utility poles are being replaced by concrete ones, and high capacity conductors are installed as part of the renovation works.

Reconstruction works are also being carried out in Adama, Bahir Dar and other seven regional capitals outside Addis Ababa, according to the CEO.

Reconstruction works underway in Harar, Shashemene, Wolayta, Gondar, Debre Markos and Kombolcha cities have reached 70pct of completion, he added.

Furthermore, rebuilding activities will be carried out in more than 10 different cities across the nation, he said.

He further explained that inspection and repair works are being carried out on high voltage power transmission lines to prevent power outage that occurs particularly during the Ethiopian rainy season.