Eko Disco implements RRS, cutting-edge technology to achieve zero downtime, 10 hrs fault clearance

Oredola Adeola

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has stepped up the utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative processes to sustainably achieve zero downtime or at least keep downtime to the barest minimum and reduce the duration in which electricity supply is disrupted or unavailable, as part of commitment to improving the quality-of-service delivery to all customers and stakeholders.

The DisCo made this known in a statement obtained by EnergyDay, as part of a measure to achieve the goal of fault clearance and resolution for 33 kV and 11 kV in ten (10) and six (6) hours, respectively, under the NERC Order.

According to the DisCo, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the DisCo, in April 2022, established the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as a unit under the Technical Operations department.

The RRS was primarily created to oversee and ensure breakdown maintenance and faults are tracked and resolved within the stipulated Turnaround Time (TAT) as regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

It stated that the idea is to guarantee swift response to customer complaints and power supply outages. These are aimed at improving the quality of service to its esteemed customers.

Nasir Gbadegesin, Head, RRS stated that EKEDC’s goal for fault clearance and resolution for 33 kV and 11 kV is ten (10) and six (6) hours, respectively, under the NERC Order. The RRS collaborates with the Power System Control, the District Operators, and the Protection and Testing divisions to resolve faults quickly and effectively without compromising safety.

He further noted that the crew responds to any faults on the 33 kV feeder at the injection sub-stations and, if necessary, helps the Breakdown Maintenance team at the various districts to resolve the faults.

He said, “The eleven (11) districts that makeup EKEDC’s service area are Agbara, Apapa, Ajah, Ijora, Ibeju, Festac, Lekki Mushin, Orile, Ojo, and Islands.”

EnergyDay further gathered that EKEDC can detect anomalies, fluctuations, or failures in real time, with the use of predictive maintenance and advanced monitoring systems, which are employed to continuously track the performance of the grid.

The DisCo further revealed that it can access its distribution infrastructure, through the monitoring systems like the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Distribution Management System (SCADA/DMS), which was launched in 2020.

The SCADA/DMS gives the Disco access in real time to information regarding the current state of its technological assets and the areas that require attention.

EKEDC stated that it currently uses data analytics as a predictive maintenance technique to anticipate equipment failures. By identifying potential issues before they occur, the company’s engineers can schedule maintenance or repairs to prevent downtime.

The DisCo further emphasized that it uses a redundant system and backup power sources that are built to ensure a seamless transition in case of equipment failure or power outages. It added that the redundancy helps to maintain a continuous power supply.

EKEDC further confirmed that its communication with end-users has always been timely and transparent. It added that it is now mandatory to notify all stakeholders and customers of scheduled maintenance or unforeseen outages, as well as providing anticipated restoration timelines, via its various social media platforms and customer engagement channels, tagged “Power Update.’

Eko Disco therefore emphasised that it is also making conscious and continuous efforts to invest in upgrading and modernizing its infrastructure which helps reduce the likelihood of failures and improves the overall reliability of its network infrastructure.

It noted that the initiatives are being implemented to proactively achieve zero downtime, or at the very least keeping downtime to the barest minimum, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to its customers and therefore ensuring a cordial relationship with its stakeholders and maintaining a positive brand image.