𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟒𝟗,𝟔𝟓𝟖 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬

Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has made significant strides in expanding electricity access across the country, achieving a major milestone in the first seven months of the fiscal year. A total of 249,658 new customers have been successfully connected to meters through the EEU’s operation/service centers and the National Electricity Supply Program. This expansion demonstrates the EEU’s ongoing commitment to providing electricity to more citizens and enhancing the national power infrastructure.

In addition to this achievement, the EEU has made remarkable progress under the National Electricity Supply Program, connecting 72 rural kebeles and villages that previously lacked electricity. These communities, spread across various regions of Ethiopia, have now been integrated into the national grid and provided with off-grid solar mini-grid technology. This move significantly reduces the gap between rural and urban access to electricity and brings substantial benefits to these previously underserved areas.

The EEU is also preparing to handle even more energy requests, ensuring that it has the necessary capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity. This is a key part of the ongoing effort to enhance service delivery while ensuring a reliable supply for both new and existing customers.

In terms of infrastructure improvement, the EEU has made substantial progress in repairing, reconstructing, and expanding Ethiopia’s electricity network. A total of 38,855 kilometers of the distribution network were repaired, 3,801 kilometers were reconstructed, and 706 kilometers of new infrastructure were added. Additionally, 941 distribution transformers were upgraded, and 2,000 new transformers with various ratings were installed. These upgrades are crucial in enhancing the country’s power supply and supporting the increased number of connections.

Despite these advancements, power outages remain a challenge. According to Engineer Getu Geremew, Executive Director of the Electricity Service, 47 percent of power interruptions are caused by trees and branches falling on power lines. To address this issue, the EEU launched a nationwide initiative two months ago to clear and trim trees along the power lines, aiming to reduce disruptions caused by environmental factors.

Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holding, stated that the organization is committed to eliminating unreasonable power outages. Ethiopian Investment Holding, which oversees more than 20 state-owned enterprises, including the Ethiopian Electric Power Service, identified various reasons for power disruptions, including insufficient infrastructure, technical difficulties, and other operational challenges.

In response, a thorough study was conducted over the past six months to better understand the root causes of the outages. Based on the findings, a medium-term plan has been developed and is already being implemented. This plan focuses on improving the operational efficiency of the electricity network and aims to significantly reduce power outages, ensuring more consistent and reliable electricity delivery to Ethiopians.