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Grid infrastructureAlbaniaEIR-0696

Transformer fire at Krahës substation cuts power to 1500 customers in Albania

Mar 2019Published 14 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorElectricalProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
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supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Krahës substation in the Memaliaj area near Tepelena, Albania
What
Transformer caught fire after short circuit in network
Injuries
None reported
Cause
Short circuit in the electrical network
Outcome
1500 subscribers without power for around 24 hours

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): OSHEE

What happened

A fire broke out at the Krahës substation in the Memaliaj area near Tepelena, Albania. According to local sources, a short circuit in the network caused the transformer at the substation to catch fire. Firefighters attended the scene to extinguish the flames. As a result of the fire, approximately 1500 subscribers in the surrounding area were left without electricity for around 24 hours. The damaged transformer was expected to be replaced the following afternoon. Specialists from the state electricity distribution operator OSHEE were reported on site to manage the response and repair works. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Contributing factors

A short circuit in the electrical network was reported as the immediate cause of the transformer fire.

Lessons learned

  1. A short circuit in the network can ignite a substation transformer, so operators should inspect insulation and protection relays on these units.
  2. Firefighters reached the Krahës substation and put out the flames, so response plans must include quick access routes for substation fires.
  3. The damaged transformer needed replacement the next day, so sites should hold spares or fast logistics for this equipment.

More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, fire suppression and firefighting, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Transformer model and age
  • Root cause of the short circuit
  • Cost of the damage and repair

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

balkanweb.com

Published 2026-09-14. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Grid infrastructure incidents by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Grid infrastructure incidents in Albania: 3 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Substation and transformer fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one.

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