Power firm to replace faulty transformers

Kenyans should expect increased reliability of electricity as Kenya Power moves to replace all faulty transformers.

Kenya Power Managing Director Ben Chumo has admitted that there have been challenges in ensuring Kenyans do not suffer increased outages, a situation he attributed to faulty transformers.

Chumo said that since 2013, more than 600 megawatts has been added to the national grid and now wants to ensure, alongside Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco), that this translates to stable connections.

“It is true we have had challenges of energy infrastructure, particularly with distribution. It is only good to come out and admit but there are plans in place,” said Chumo. Chumo blamed this scenario on the substandard transformers that were supplied to the company in the past.

To address outages, the company says it has acquired new transformers to replace faulty ones by February 10. The new transformers, Chumo said can last for at least 25 years.

Recently, Nairobi, Coast and Mount Kenya regions were plunged into darkness following a fault in the bulk supply transmission system at the Juja sub-station in Nairobi.

Chumo said the company has set aside Sh10 billion to enhance maintenance of existing distribution infrastructure adding that once expansion programme targeting substations and distribution lines is done, outages will reduce significantly.