Tanesco unveils solution to  powercut woes

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has conducted live line maintenance on the 220-kilovolt high-voltage electricity transmission line from the Chalinze substation to the Kinyerezi substation in Dar es Salaam without switching off the power.

The maintenance involved replacing insulators that were identified as problematic during an inspection of the transmission line. Previously, this kind of work would have required shutting down the power line, which would have caused power outages in the areas served by this line during maintenance.

Speaking during the exercise, Engineer Philemon Tirukaizile from the electricity transmission unit said this technology has eliminated the inconvenience of power cuts for the public during maintenance.

ALSO READ: Tanesco supports a clean energy campaign with stoves using minimal power

“Without this technology for performing maintenance without switching off the power, we would have had to shut down our transmission line for about six hours. This means some of our customers from Chalinze through Mlandizi to Kibaha would have been without electricity service,” explained Engineer Tirukaizile.

Explaining how the exercise was carried out, the Transmission Team Supervisor for the Coast Region, Mr. Sadiki Sadiki, said the work is executed by skilled technicians who follow strict safety protocols.

“Before starting work, we communicate with personnel at the substation to obtain permission to carry out the task. Then, we have a team leader who oversees safety, giving instructions on who does what and when,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bahati Ramadhani, a technician in the unit, said she acquired the skills through special training provided within the company.

“The company has developed me because before starting this work, I underwent training on the 400-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP), and the training continues. Truly, it is our pride as a company to ensure customers have power at all times,” added Ms. Bahati.

This technology aims to reduce electricity loss caused by shutting down lines and to eliminate complaints from customers in affected areas who previously had to endure power outages during maintenance.