Zesco bulk substation catches fire in Northmead, Lusaka

What happened

ZESCO said its bulk substation in the Northmead area of Lusaka caught fire under unknown circumstances. The company said the 33/11 kV Dublin Substation caught fire around 09:30 hours and that supply was adversely affected in several parts of Lusaka, including Garden Chilulu, Thornpark, Northmead, Rhodespark, part of Emmasdale, part of Chaisa and part of Fairview. ZESCO confirmed the incident and said investigations had been launched to establish the cause. The published report is behind a membership wall after that statement, so later findings are not in this entry.

Contributing factors

The cause was not stated. ZESCO said the fire started under unknown circumstances and that investigations had been launched.

Lessons learned

1. A fire at a 33/11 kV distribution substation can cut supply across several districts at once, so operators should keep switching and restoration plans ready for that class of site.
2. If the cause is not known when the first public statement is issued, say so and record that an investigation is under way rather than speculate.
3. Early notices should list the areas affected so customers and neighbouring operators can plan.

Source

diggers.news