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TRANSCRIPT
UGANDA ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
COMPANY LIMITED
REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEASE AND
ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (LAA) AND STATE OF
ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
INSPECTION REPORT FOR QUARTER FOUR OF 2017
JANUARY 05, 2018
iii
CONTENTS
CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ iii
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... v
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................... vii
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................... viii
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 1
2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 6
3 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY PROVISIONS ............. 7
4 OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE INSPECTION .................................................................... 11
5 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 12
6 EXTENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND KEY FINDINGS FROM
THE FIELD INSPECTION ................................................................................... 13
6.1 Extent of the distribution network ................................................................ 13
6.1.1 Installed substation transformer details and their capacities ........................ 13
6.2 State of the distribution network ................................................................... 17
7 CHALLENGES .............................................................................................. 21
8 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 23
9 CONCLUSION AND GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ........................................ 25
10 REREFENCES .............................................................................................. 28
11 FIELD INSPECTION FINDINGS ........................................................................ 29
11.1 SUBSTATIONS ..................................................................................................... 29
11.1.1 NORTHERN REGION ................................................................................................................... 29
11.1.2 EASTERN REGION ........................................................................................................... 32
11.1.3 WESTERN REGION ..................................................................................................................... 44
11.2 DISTRIBUTION LINES ........................................................................................... 60
12.2.1 NORTHERN REGION ....................................................................................................... 60
11.2.2 EASTERN REGION ........................................................................................................... 63
11.2.3 WESTERN REGION .......................................................................................................... 66
11.2.4 CENTRAL REGION ........................................................................................................... 68
iv
11.3 NON NETWORK ASSETS-OFFICE BUILDINGS,LAND AND
VEHICLES ...................................................................................................................... 69
ANNEX: SELECTED PHOTOS OF PARTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION ASSETS .................... 73
SUBSTATIONS ................................................................................................................ 73
DISTRIBUTION LINES ................................................................................................. 78
Non Network assets –Buildings, Land and Vehicles ........................................ 82
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Substation locations on the network ............................................ 18
Figure 2 Ground Mounted transformers in Central Region ........................ 19
Figure 3 RMUs locations in Central region ................................................ 20
Figure 4 Ishaka substation under refurbishment anr reconfiguration ........ 73
Figure 5 Plinth at Mbale substation where the 10/14MVA;33/11kV UIA
transformer was removed .......................................................................... 73
Figure 6 Faulty and bypassed Line Isolator for BECS 33kV line at Fort Portal
substation................................................................................................. 74
Figure 7 Damage on Fort Portal substation fence inflicted by poles storage 74
Figure 8 Kasese substation transformer with PCB Oil ................................ 75
Figure 9 Non-decommissioned Oil CB at Mubende substation ................... 75
Figure 10 Jinja Industrial substation abandoned switchgear never
commissioned ........................................................................................... 76
Figure 11 Kabale substation 48V DC battery bank in control room with the
switchgear despite plant house extension to have them separated ............. 76
Figure 12 Weed clearing at Mbarara Central Substation ............................ 77
Figure 13 Faulty Biometric Access Control Unit at Mbarara Central
Substation Main Gate ............................................................................... 77
Figure 14 Capacitor bank at Jesa Farm,Busunju well maintained ............. 78
Figure 15 Mwenge and Mukunyu 11kV feeders bridged at this structure,
with one of the feeder cables recovered! ..................................................... 78
Figure 16 Rotten structure with broken x-arm on Kiriri-Mityana 33kV
interconnector........................................................................................... 79
Figure 17 Underground cable installation for the new 33kV feeder to BMTS
at Mbarara ................................................................................................ 79
vi
Figure 18 Kyankwanzi T-Off on Busunju - Hoima 33kV Interconnector,work
in progress(WIP) to replace decayed poles .................................................. 80
Figure 19 Kisoro-Katuna border-stays vandalized and poles rotten ............ 80
Figure 20 Structure 130 on Bweyale T-Off on Masindi - Apac 33kV
interconnector with missing insulators and burnt-off top part of the pole .. 81
Figure 21 Seemingly disused Sectionaliser at Masindi Port on Masindi-Apac
33kV interconnector.................................................................................. 81
Figure 22 Kisoro Office(rear view) having drainage issues .......................... 82
Figure 23 Mbarara Central S/S land with a threat of grabing .................... 82
Figure 24 Hoima Office fully refurbished ................................................... 82
Figure 25 Kisoro Office(front view) ............................................................. 82
Figure 26 Truck found broken down on 23/10/2017 and left at Mubende
substation................................................................................................. 83
vii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Inspected substation transformer details and capacities................ 13
Table 2 Extent of the distribution network as at October 2017 .................. 15
Table 3 Summary of network growth over the quarter ............................... 16
Table 4 Modifications on distribution transformers .................................... 17
viii
ABBREVIATIONS
ABC:
Aerial-Bundled conductor
ABS: Air Break Switch
CAPEX:
CB:
CEDAT
Capital Expenditure
Circuit Breaker
College of Engineering Design Art and Technology
DO: District Office
ERA: Electricity Regulatory Authority
FDI:
GIS:
Foreign Direct Investment
Geographic Information System
GoU: Government of Uganda
HV:
IC
High Voltage
Integrated Circuit
KV: Kilo Voltage
KVA: Kilo Volt-Ampere
LAA: Lease and Assignment Agreement
LV: Low Voltage
MVA: Mega Volt Ampere
MV:
O&M:
Medium Voltage
Operations and Maintenance
REA: Rural Electrification Agency
ix
R & R:
R/L:
Restoration and Rehabilitation
Route length
SHE: Safety, Health and Environment
UEDCL: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited
UGX:
UETCL:
UIA:
Uganda Shillings
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited
Uganda Investment Authority
VFM: Value for Money
VHF: Very High Frequency
VM: Vegetation Management
1
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Clauses 2.16 (a) & (b) of the LAA obligates UEDCL, as Lessor or
Owner of the Distribution System to continuously monitor the
restoration and reinforcement (R & R); repair , maintenance,
operation, installation and retirement, and modifications carried
out on the Distribution System by Umeme Limited, as the
concessionaire. If, in the course of any inspection UEDCL
discovers that any of the Distribution System is in any material
respect defective or non-conforming with the requirements of the
LAA, Umeme shall take prompt corrective action.
Clause 2.14(a) (i) of the LAA requires Umeme, as the
Concessionaire to operate and maintain the Distribution System
in all material respects in accordance with Prudent Utility
Practices.
Clause 2.17 of the LAA requires Umeme to provide a complete set
of plans, specifications, as built drawings and similar documents
with respect to the distribution system to UEDCL reflecting the
as-built condition of any modifications, where the distribution
system has been altered pursuant to the modifications.
Due to these statutory requirements among others, UEDCL
carries out quarterly inspections of the electricity distribution
system and reports on its state of operation and maintenance. As
such, Quarter four inspection was carried out from 10 th October
to 1s t December 2017 with regard to the afore-mentioned clauses
of the LAA.
2
Key highlights of the inspection findings are as follows:
The 10/14 MVA, 33/11kV transformer S/N:19010873/01- that
had been on soak for a long time at Mbale substation is still
missing; but Umeme explained that the transformer was
decommissioned on behalf of the UIA; following a disposal by UIA
and handed over to NEK consults to whom it had been sold and
taken to an unknown location;
The removal of the formerly soaked 10/14MVA transformer at
Mbale substation was un called for; given the emergent need for
capacity upgrade (Umeme should have been offered to buy it
instead of selling it to a private firm);
The installed biometric access control system that is malfunctioning
in most substations never catered for upgrading the existing DC
system. The DC system for protection should be separated from the
one for SCADA and Access Control for enhanced reliability of the
substation equipment;
At some substations such as Rugombe substation,there exists
unreliable communication link to enable reliable operation of the
Biometric access control system. Access opening has been denied for
the last three(3) consecutive quarters/times;
A significant number of distribution transformers in Central region
have been noted either recovered from their structures or isolated or
requiring maintenance attention. An example is a transformer at Koko
Primary School 25kVA transformer on Bombo-Namulonge 11kV feeder
which faulted and has not been attended to in the last 2 years. Koko
Village proposed investment in 2012 meant for an upgrade to 50kVA
while replacing the faulty one at the school was not visible on the
ground,though posted as executed;
Whereas most of the distribution transformers in Central region are in
good state of maintenance, a good number also exists that portrays oil
3
leakages, corroded/rusted terminations, leaning structures, loose
connections,vandalised and signs of flashover among others;
Whereas most feeder pillars in Central region are well maintained,still
a significant number is either damaged,decommissioned or rusty.Most
feeder pillar cages are well maintained but still a number of them are
either damaged/vandalised or missing requiring maintenance
attention. The locks are either okay,damaged/vandalised or missing in
equal proportions;
Apart from three(3) Ring Main Units(RMU) in Central Region which
have signs of burning and dangerous,the rest of the 119 RMUs are in
good state of maintenance. 10 cages for these RMUs are either
damaged or missing. Terminations/connections on two(2) RMUs are
showing signs of burning at Uganda Rail Station Gargens 1 and
nasser Road(Sayuni Plaza) where the installation is exposed and
dangerous. The locks on some of these RMU cages are missing, hence
prone to un authorised access and operation;
Whereas the majority of the MV poles in Central Region are in good
condition, a number of them are characterised by being rotten,
hollow,cracked and leaning. Some cross arms are equally
damaged,cracked or bent while a number of insulators require
maintenance attention;
There is notable tendency of keeping materials meant for storage
within the substation premises or environs. Damage to the substation
fencing has been inflicted upon as a result;
Vegetation control is lacking in some of the subatations and on some
overhead structures. An example is the the ground mounted
transformer behind CEDAT at Makerere University that is
permanently covered up by shrubs;
Some equipment lies idle without offering any value addition (such as
the ABB switchgear at Jinja Industrial substation has never been
commissioned since installation many years ago) while some
4
malfunction soon after commissioning. Umeme still indicats that the
switchgear is pending repair by the supplier;
UEDCL land where equipment/buildings are located threatened by
possible encroachment requiring urgent attention to open boundaries
and have them secured.Umeme in advanced stages of engaging a
surveying firm that will handle the boundary opening and subsequent
fencing off of these properties;
There are noted significant changes on the network and asset
movements that are not communicated to UEDCL, especially
distribution and power transformers;
Some non-network assets including land and buildings not given
requisite attention to ensure full utilization and proper maintenance;
Quality of poles installed on the network that decay very rapidly and
have to be replaced well before their anticipated service life of at least
15 years is still an issue;
Vandalism of network assets, especially transformers and stay
assemblies, is still persisting and affecting integrity of the network and
increasing maintenance costs. Vandalism of stay assemblies has
increased noticeably!;
Cases of poor workmanship, and/or negligence, still continue to be
encountered on parts of the network, e.g. poorly plumbed poles,
shabby joints, especially on LV network, shabby transformer wiring;
Despite continuous assertion that SCADA is now fully operational,
many substations up country still experience intermittent, or zero,
connectivity, and staff are forced to continue carrying out operations
manually;
Access control system was installed on some of the substations
without due care to rehabilitate the gates and fencing, rendering the
access control systems useless, and raising the issue of value-for-
money of the installed systems;
5
Disused items on the network need to be either re-deployed or
disposed of as necessary. For example there is a sectionaliser at
Masindi Port and a Nulec CB in Apac, all on Masindi – Apac 33 kV
interconnector, which have been left on the line for a while but seem
not to be in use for unknown reasons;
Most feeder pillars in Central Region appear not to have been
maintained in a very long time and not properly secured. The locking
mechanisms are either missing or vandalized. Many of the cages for
these installations are bushy and require routine maintenance. Some
of the feederpillars in dire need of maintenance include Nakawa
Vocational Institute, World Food Program, Rwenzori Plastics,Bukoto
Brown Flats, Metropolitan Holdings, Luthuri Drive Plots 4,9 & 26,
Luthuri Avenue Plot 108, Pipeline Design and Foam Indusries,G4
Security, Ericson 2, Mengo Hospital, West Mengo Growers, East
African Seeds Uganda Limited,Galukande Close Terrace Gardens,
Kisenyi, Agha Khan Primary,Wandegeya Police, Mulago Hospital,
Martin Road, Luzira Upper Prison and Family Bakery among others.
6
2 INTRODUCTION
The Government of Uganda (GoU) privatized UEDCL through a 20 year
concession by bringing on board private investors in the electricity
distribution and supply business in order to:
Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);
Improve the quality of service;
Rehabilitate, upgrade and expand the distribution network; and
Increase the electricity access to other customers in the country.
The electricity distribution and supply business was subsequently
transferred to Umeme on 1st March 2005 after signing a Lease and
Assignment Agreement (LAA) that leased the distribution assets to Umeme
to carry out electricity distribution and supply business.
The agreement specifically stipulates investment obligations by Umeme
during the initial period and the first five years of the concession. As part of
the agreement, Umeme was obligated to make an investment of a minimum
of USD 5 Million during the initial period and a minimum of USD 65 Million
in the first 5 years in system rehabilitation and reinforcement(R&R). This
obligation was full filled but a lot needs to be done on the electricity
distribution network to further enhance its efficiency. Despite the initial
agreement terms (Section 2.1(d)) restricting the system rehabilitation and
reinforcement plan over the first 5 years, which was subsequently extended
for a further period of 3 years, R&R has to date turned out to be a routine
activity.
With reference to Clauses 2.16(a) & (b) of the LAA that provide for rights of
access to the assets as Lessor to observe the Restoration and Reinforcement,
repair and maintenance, installations and retirement plus modifications,
UEDCL and Umeme staff jointly inspected the distribution system to
establish the status of the assets for the period October to December 2017.
7
3 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY
PROVISIONS
The following table highlights critical provisions of Supply and Distribution
License and the Lease and Assignment Agreement (LAA) and the
corresponding compliance levels by Umeme Limited.
Section/
Clause
Critical Compliance
Issue(s)
Remarks
S2.16
(a) &(b)
UEDCL and its authorized
representatives shall have
the annual right to inspect
the Distribution System
(including installation of the
Modifications).The Company
shall comply with all
reasonable requests of
UEDCL for, and assist in
arranging any such
observation visits
Umeme Limited has continued
to give access to the
distribution system and
actively participated in the
scheduled quarterly inspection
exercise being reported on.
S2.9(b)& (c) All modifications on
portions of the Distribution
Network to be registered in
names of UEDCL
Umeme Limited does not
regulary update UEDCL on the
Asset Movemets schedule. A
number of Power &
distribution transformers are
found either relocated or
decommissioned without
notifying UEDCL. An example
is the decommissioned
10/14MVA transformer
formerly at Mbale
substation.
8
The Company has consistently
not informed UEDCL of all
modifications carried out on
the distribution network.
Most modifications are not
registered in the names of
UEDCL.
S2.16(e) Company to furnish UEDCL
with information concerning
the Distribution System as
and when requested
The Company does not readily
furnish some information, in
the required formats, as and
when required by UEDCL.
Some pieces of information in
this category include Request
made on Katale Clays
Factory Tx on Kajjansi-
Lubowa 11kV feeder where
customers are constantly
complaining of poor QoS
amidst system improvement
executed in 2016. Requests
made to Umeme staff on
8/9,18/9 & 20/11/2017
with no feedback todate.
This raises an issue of non-
complaince to information
provision.
S2.16(b) If, in the course of any
inspection UEDCL discovers
that any of the Distribution
System is in any material
respect defective or
nonconforming with the
requirements, the Company
shall take prompt corrective
action
In some situations, no
corrective action has been
taken despite the outcome and
recommendations of the
consecutive inspection reports.
The status in some of these
situations has remained the
same despite the need to have
them attended too.
9
S3.10(a) UEDCL has the right to
repossess, occupy and
operate portions of the
Distribution Network
deemed abandoned by the
Company. Company to
reimburse UEDCL O&M
costs incurred.
There are items and portions of
the distribution network
(example of LV network in
Apac areas), land in Mpala,
Kakiri, Ntungamo and those
that formerly hosted VHF radio
stations like at Katera, Hoima,
Masindi, Fortportal, Kasese,
Mubende among others &
some civil structures like
Masindi offices, Fortportal
office building among others)
which appear neglected but
which Umeme has not formally
pronounced itself on its non-
interest so that UEDCL can
repossess them.
S2.17 Company to provide to
UEDCL a complete set of
plans, specifications, as
built drawings and similar
documents with respect to
the distribution system
reflecting the as-built
condition of any
modifications, where the
distribution system has
been altered pursuant
to the modifications.
There are modifications carried
out on the network in the
spirit of line diversions.
UEDCL is not notified of these,
and worse still no associated
documentation is provided to
inform the new network status
and acquired wayleaves to
avoid possible litigation. A
number of wayleaves
complaints have been received
in this respect.
Umeme shared with UEDCL a
copy of the scheduled
10
maintenance activities on the
distribution network for 2017,
in line with the requirements
of the LAA. This is
commendable and
maintenance progress reports
would add value if shared.
There are also provisions in the ERA Electricity Investment Approval and
Verification Guidelines (March 2013) that the Company(Umeme Limited)
should comply with in order to hasten and smoothen the investment
verification process. Highlights are as follows:
Clause 4, part 8: All investment plans in areas held under concession
arrangement shall be submitted to Authority under copy to Asset Owner.
Umeme presented a copy of proposed 2018 investments to UEDCL and
this is commendable.
Clause 5: Asset Owner must confirm reasonableness of investment value
estimates before implementation by Company. The Company presented
cost outlines of proposed 2018 modifications to the distribution
network to UEDCL for appraisal prior to implementation. This trend
should be sustained.
Clause 5: Asset Owner must assess and confirm viability of proposed
technologies to be deployed in investments proposed by Company. The
Company has not been presenting detailed designs of proposed
modifications to the distribution network to UEDCL for appraisal prior
to implementation.
11
4 OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE INSPECTION
The objectives of inspecting the electricity distribution system were to assess
and report on the following:
Observance of Prudent Utility Practices in the Operation and
Maintenance of the electricity distribution network as provided for in
Electricity (Primary Grid Code) Regulations, 2003;
Asses the distribution system for the requirements in the Electricity
(Transmission and Distribution) Investments Approval and Verification
guidelines, hence provision of accurate and complete information as a
means of making the investment plans more streamlined, targeted and
agreeable to stakeholders;
Scope and level of implementation of the Umeme 2017 Quarter 4 planned
asset maintenance plan;
Location and current state of the distribution system components
including substations, electricity distribution lines, unoccupied land,
integrity of the way leave corridor and buildings;
Collection of GIS based data on existing specific assets and their state
with the aim of furnishing the GIS database with accurate and complete
data to facilitate spatial data analysis for enhanced decision making;
Sharing with Umeme field teams the prevailing field asset conditions and
appropriate intervention measures necessary for their maintenance in
order to keep the distribution system in a fairly operational state;
Establishing the status of the assets where capital investments have been
carried out in order to ensure quality of the works over a period of
time,hence value for money;
Assessing the level of compliance in regard to action points agreed upon
in the previous inspection cycle(s).
12
5 METHODOLOGY
Guided by the Umeme 2017 shared maintenance plan and previous
inspection findings, parts of the distribution network were inspected in
Central,Western, Eastern and Northern regions of the country. The focus
was to establish the asset management practices on the distribution system
in line with the planned maintenance activities for 2017, their scope,quality,
conformity to prudent utility practices and adherence to the provisions of
Supply and Distribution Licence and the Lease and Assignment Agreement
as a result of Repair and Maintenance activities. The major focus was put on
substations, MV and LV Lines, way leave corridor, vegetation control, office
buildings and storage yards. Note was also taken of any on-going grid-
extension works or modifications.
The approach for obtaining relevant information was physical inspection and
interaction of technical personnel from both UEDCL and Umeme Asset
Management Department that accompanied UEDCL staff in the exercise.
Snapshots were also taken to accompany the technical description of the
findings, some of which have been included in the last part of this report.
13
6 EXTENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND KEY
FINDINGS FROM THE FIELD INSPECTION
6.1 Extent of the distribution network
6.1.1 Installed substation transformer details and their capacities
(a) The following table shows the details of the respective power
transformers installed at individual substations(as at the time of the i
nspection) and their corresponding capacities.
Table 1 Inspected substation transformer details and capacities
# TxNAME TxMake TxSNo TxModel Mfg Year
Size
1 Njeru Substation Tx Crompton Greave
ET10046/1
ET10046 2016-06-30
10/14MVA
2 Jinja Industrial TX1 ABB 2016-06-30
10/14MVA
3 Kamuli Substaion Tx ABB 7233 57233 2016-
07-01
2.5M
VA
4 Kaliro Substation Tx Pauwels
Trafo
85406
6
DRS25/7
0
1985-
12-31
2.5M
VA
5 Iganga Substation Tx Emirates 19010
10701 IEC60076
2016-
07-01 5MVA
6 Magamaga
Substation Tx Aichi
94223
35
T3-
216765
2016-
07-01
2.5M
VA
7 Entebbe Substation
Tx2 Emirates
19010
10602 IEC60076
2005-
01-31
10/14
MVA
8 Entebbe Substation Tx1
Emirates 1901010601
IEC60076 2016-07-11
10/14MVA
9 Kisubi Substation Tx1
Energo invest
368277
IEC76/1980
1990-01-31
5MVA
10 Kisubi Substation Aux Tx
Aichi 942235202
IEC76/1993
2016-07-11
160KVA
11 Kajjansi Substation Tx1
Aichi 9422337
IEC76/1993
1995-01-31
5/7MVA
12 Lubowa Substation Tx2
Crompton Greaves
ET10126/4
IEC600/76
2012-01-31
10/14MVA
13 Lubowa Substation Tx1
Crompton Greaves
ET10126/3
IEC60076 2012-01-31
10/14MVA
14 2.5 MVA Tx In Storage Kampala South
Energo
invest 68283
RT2500/2
500/830
1990-
07-11
2.5M
VA
15 Kampala South Substation Tx
Crompton Greaves
ET10047/1
ET10047 2011-01-31
15/20MVA
16 10/14MVA Tx1 in Storage Kampala
South
ABB VN01123
VN01123 2016-07-11
10/14MVA
14
# TxNAME TxMake TxSNo TxModel Mfg
Year Size
17 5 MVA Tx In Storage Kampala South
Energo invest
112520
5MVA
18 5 MVA Tx In Storage Kampala South
Energo invest
68280 5MVA
19 Gaba Substation Tx1 Power 120521
SFZ9-14000/33
2012-06-12
10/14MVA
20 Gaba Substation Tx2 Power 112619
SFZ9-14000/33
2012-06-12
10/14MVA
21 Kisugu Substation Tx
Power 120421
SFZ9-14000/33
2012-06-12
10/14MVA
22 Ntinda Substation TX1
Energo invest
68268 IEC76/1980
1990-01-31
10/14MVA
23 Ntinda Substation Tx2
ABB VN01120
IEC60076/7
2015-01-31
10/14MVA
24 Kireka Substation
Tx1 Emirates
19010719/04
IEC60076 2008-
01-31
10/14
MVA
25 Kireka Substation Tx2
Emirates 19010719/0
1
IEC60076 2016-07-13
10/14MVA
26 Port bell Substation
Tx1 ABB
VN011
19 VN1119
2016-
07-11
10/14
MVA
27 Port bell Substation
Tx2 Aichi 68273 1990 5MVA
28 Mityana Substation
Tx2 ABB 57231
2.5M
VA
29 Mityana Substation Tx1
ABB 57235
2.5MVA
30 Busunju Substation Tx1
Energo invest
68284
2.5MVA
31 Busunju Substation Tx2
Powels Auto
00-2-4026
5MVA
32 Mubende Tx Brush 77123
1MVA
33 Moniko Substation
TX1 ABB
15/20
MVA
34 Moniko Substation
TX2 ABB
15/20
MVA
35 Mbale Substation TX2
Emirates
19010
719/03
10/14 MVA
36 Mukono Substation TX1
ABB VN0112
1 IEC61869-2
10/14 MVA
37 Mukono Substation TX2
Crompton Greaves
ET10046/2
IEC60076 10/14 MVA
38 Kayunga Substation
Transformer
Aichi
Electric
94223
3601
IEC76(19
93) 5MVA
15
# TxNAME TxMake TxSNo TxModel Mfg
Year Size
39 Nile Breweries Substation TX1
Pauwels 98.2.4068
IEC_ (1999)
14MVA
40 Jinja Industrial Substation TX1
Pauwels 98.2.4067
IEC_ (1999)
14MVA
41 Jinja Industrial Substation TX2
ABB VN01122
IEC 61869-2
10/14MVA
42 Kaliro Substation Pauwels 2.5MVA
43 Kamuli Substation TX
ABB 57233 5MVA
44 Kiriri Substation Tx1 Pauwels 85.40668
2.5MVA
b) The following statistics give the extent of the electricity distribution
network in terms of distribution transformers and distribution lines as at
October 2017.
Table 2 Extent of the distribution network as at October 2017
Specification of distribution grid assets leased by Umeme
Ltd
Distribution Transformers
Q 3 - 2017 Power Lines (Route length)
Current
Total Overhead Underground
Size kVA Status
km km Km
4 1
Street lights 595.2 507.4 87.8
6 206
Low voltage 19293.86 19269.595 24.267
15 2
11kV 6085.86 5996.9 88.96
16 141
33kV 7634.43 7602.58 31.85
25 990
50 3851
63 2
80 1
100 2414
150 18
160 3
200 1955
250 13
300 22
315 1198
16
400 8
500 825
600 4
630 71
750 29
800 14
1000 11
1250 1
1500 1
Total 11781
Source: Umeme Limited
The network extent is as shown in Table 3 with street lights at 595.2km,
Low voltage at 19293.86km,11kV at 6085.86km and 33kV at 7634.43km.
Table 3 Summary of network growth over the quarter
Q2 Q3 GROWTH
Street Lights 507.4 595.2 87.8
Low Voltage 18941.65 19293.86 352.21
11kv 6125.1 6085.86 -39.24
33kv 7482.88 7634.43 151.55
A quick analysis of the network summary statistics reveal that there was a a
slight growth of the network in terms of the street lights(17.3%),low
voltage(19.1%) and 33kV(2%) while the 11kV network reduced by 39.24km
(0.64%). The extent of 11kV network decommissioned is quite significant
and UEDCL was not notified as required of Section 2.17 of the LAA.
The growth in the number of distribution transformers over the quarter is
indicated in the following summary table
17
Table 4 Modifications on distribution transformers
Transformer Size
Growth (+/-)
Comment
6kVA -11 As required of Section 2.17 of the LAA, all these
modifications (their motivation,approval and
implementation details) have not been formally
communicated to UEDCL, unless they are
encountered during the future process of
Investment Verification or adhoc inspection of the
distribution network.
16kVA +2
25kVA +15
50kVA +14
100kVA +24
200kVA +23
315kVA +1
500kVA +8
630kVA +1
As noted in the previos network inspections,distribution transformers
continue to be installed either by Umeme Limited or Contractors in private
premises and enclosed as such. The mothod of segregating these
transformers to reflet their ownership(whether private or UEDCL/UMEME)
is not clear and pose a risk of overstating their numbers(and associated
asset value) on the asset register. How are these privately enclosed
transformers maintained as per the prudent utility requirements? How is
their improper or lack of maintenance effects controlled not to propagate to
the healthy network? Who caters for their negative effects onto the backbone
infrastructures interms of Quality of Service(such as losses,harmonics,etc)
and outages in the event of failure? What strategic plans are in place to
accommodate the ever increasing number of private installations/demand
and long term O& M plans amidst this largely private dominated
distribution network?
6.2 State of the distribution network
a) The following map presents the location of individual substations on the
network. It represents a total of 72 substations with 58, 33/11kV and 14,
132/33kV substations. Umeme/UEDCL takes responsibility of 33kV and
below volgate apparatus implying that it has a shared responsibility of
18
maintaining the 33kV switchgear at the 14, 132/33kV UETCL
substations.
Figure 1 Substation locations on the network
19
b) Substations in Central,Western,Northern and Eastern regions were
inspected with reference to the the previous inspection findings in
Quarter 2 & 3 and 2017 maintenance plan, hence a need for follow up on
the action plans.
c) Detailed findings of the inspected substations are in Section 11.1 of this
report.
d) A selected number of distribution lines were inspected and detailed
findings are in Section 11.3 of this report.
e) The following figure shows the population of ground mounted
transformers in Central Region and their areas of deployement in terms
of Umeme Zoning/Districts.
Figure 2 Ground Mounted transformers in Central Region
The biggest population is noted around Metro,Banda,Kitintale,
Kabalagala, Natete, Nakulabye, Wandegeya, Mukono, Entebbe and
Najjanankumbi. This implies that the associated underground
20
cables,feeder pillars,mini-pillars are equally significant and require
regular maintenance attention and upgrade to accommodate the ever
growing demand. It is inevitable that most of the underground network
routes have been constructed upon uncontrolled and maintenance of this
infrastructure is now a challenge. Some cable routes cannot even be
traced!. Section 1 of this report highlights their state.
f) The following figure shows the population of Ring Main Units(RMUs) and
feeder pillars which form a critical component of the underground
network around the Central Business District.
Figure 3 RMUs & Feeder Pillar locations in Central region
Most RMUs are located within Metro, Wandegeya, Kitintale, Nakulabye
and Banda. The state of these RMUs is already highlighted in Section 1 of
this report, with 10 of 119 RMU’s either having damages cages or
completely missing. 3 RMU’s had signs of burning.
21
7 CHALLENGES
i. The state of some of the assets cannot be verified due to their
locations being very sensitive places where access is very restricted.
Some of these locations include security premises(such as the
barracks among others) and private premises that are highly guarded;
ii. UEDCL is not regularly updated and/or notified of
modifications/extensions to the distribution network, carried out
operationally or sometimes by third parties, making it difficult to keep
track of the full extent of the network;
iii. Arising from the above,and due to non realization of the asset
movement schedules, it is hard to accurately establish the true extent
of the network and also track the extent of modifications made;
iv. There is no respect and control of the wayleaves corridor for the
established electricity distribution infrastructure to the extent that
buildings have either been constructed under the lines or ontop of the
underground network. This act that is noted all over the country has
resulted into a risk of litigation in some areas;
v. Lack of Asset movement schedules to easily determine the history of
certain assets regarding their deployment on the distribution system;
vi. Distribution transformers not segregated to exclude the privately
installed/owned ones hence pose a risk of overstating their numbers
which in turn affects the accuracy of the asset register;
vii. Inadequate information on non-network assets such as the fleet
renders accurate reporting on its state and composition futile;
viii. Some assets are not registered in the names of UEDCL although they
are submitted to constitute the asset register;
ix. Insufficient information to inform on the exact boundaries of UEDCL
land at the offices, substations and former VHF Radio station sites;
22
x. Lack of appropriate data capture tools (such as range finders for
assets located in inaccessible locations) and measurement tools (such
as Clamp on meters,earth resistance testers,insulation testers) for
testing the utilization and quality of the installations.
23
8 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the field findings and in line with the requirements of the Supply
and Distribution License, LAA and prudent Utility Practices, it is
recommended that the following be considered:
a) The removal of the formerly soaked transformer was un called for;
given the emergent need for capacity upgrade. Umeme should have
been offered to buy it instead of selling it to a private firm;
b) A report be provided highlighting the underlying information and
subsequent decision of declaring some of the transformers on the
distribution system private,with their corresponding location and
nameplate details;
c) Due attention should be given to non-network assets such as land and
buildings, to ensure full utilization and proper maintenance. Else they
should be formally handed back to UEDCL to either use them or dispose
them off as the case may be;
d) As provided for in Section 2.16 of the LAA, and in order to maintain the
integrity of the Asset Register, Umeme should regularly notify UEDCL of
all additions, modifications, transfers of assets on the distribution
network including those implemented during O&M activites;
e) Distribution transformers should be segregated to exclude privately
deployed transformers to avoid a risk of overstating their numbers on the
asset base/register and inaccurate reporting which in turn affects
accurate reporting on investments made for purposes of earning a return;
f) Non-functional equipment on the distribution network(such as the ABB
switchgear at Jinja Industrial substation that has never been
commissioned since installation),faulty and malfunctioning
switchgear(along the lines and in substations such as at Mityana and
Mukono substations among others) that are not serving their purpose,
24
yet form part of the asset base, should either be made fully functional or
retired and disposed off;
g) Preserve the integrity of the way leave corridor. Notification should
always be made to the asset owner and documentation availed
concerning network modifications and the wayleaves status of the new
routes after the network is relocated;
h) Apparatus that is faulty, recovered/or bypassed (such as Mukunyu 11kV
CB and feeder cable at Rugombe substation, faulty tap changers at
Mubende substation, switchgear at Mityana and Mukono
substations,unused sectionaliser at Masindi Port, Nulec CB in Apac on
Masindi-Apac 33kV interconnector, distribution transformers at Katera
trading centre,Uganda House and Charm Towers lacking maintenance
among others should me maintained and/or restored into service;
i) Due diligence and professionalism either by Umeme teams,or contractors
when carrying out maintenance should be addressed to eliminate the
seemingly lackstur work practices that is contributing to the
deterioration of the network,even in areas where remedial works have
been carried out.
25
9 CONCLUSION AND GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
i. Efforts have been made to refurbish a number of substations and MV
overhead distribution network. Corresponding attention should be
attached to upgrading the underground network due to load growth.
Comprehensive maintenance of RMUs, Feeder pillars, ground mounted
transformers’ enclosures and some ground mounted transformers
housed in the basement of some acades(such as Charm Towers,Uganda
House) should routinely be carried out to keep the installations as
required of the prudent utility practices;
ii. There is rampant use of links as opposed to standard fuses/circuit
breakers for both HT and LV protection on many transformers and on
some overhead points(T-Offs).This endangers the life span of the
equipment hence non-complaince to prudent utility practices. Most
switchgear on overhead lines(that is air break switches,load break
switches Drop Out Fuses, Knife blade links) are noted faulty and by-
passed;
iii. The supply and distribution license to Umeme provides for an exclusive
right to supply electricity in an area up to one kilometer radial distance
from the existing distribution lines, and an obligation to provide service
within the area of exclusivity. Network extensions that were done in
UEDCL domain by Umeme Limited in the areas of
Naabongo,Tabakonyi,Shagi and Atari should have been handed over
officially to UEDCL which was not the case;
iv. Umeme continues to decommission UEDCL/GoU assets(example being
poles, conductors and transformers) without notification of UEDCL
contrary to the requirements of Section 2.9 of the Lease and Assignment
Agreement (LAA);
v. Relatedly a number of assets continue to be added onto the network
while some are retired. In respect of non-communication of the asset
movements, UEDCL cannot guarantee the transparency of the procedure
26
followed while disposing off the retired assets and the treatment of the
ensuring proceeds so that the accuracy of the asset register is not
compromised;
vi. A threat still exists regarding land encroachment where UEDCL assets
are installed,hence a need for opening and securing of their boundaries
(such as Mityana, Mbarara Central, Kasese Central, Mubende, Mbale,
Kapchworwa substations, Masindi, Lira, Mbale, Hoima office/buildings
land and former VHF radio station sites among others;
vii. Many parts of the network continue to be extended without due
notice/information to Asset Owner, hence true extent of the Distribution
Network, as per Ownership Licence of UEDCL is not known;
viii. Despite highlighting the issues affecting the integrity of the
assets/network, some have not been attended to for unnecessarily longer
periods, contrary to Section 2.16(b) of the LAA that requires Umeme to
take prompt corrective action once a notice specifying such defect or
nonconformity has been made;
ix. A large part of the deteriorating network is attributable to poor
workmanship, and/or negligence, during maintenance or installation
works. This includes improper/incomplete scoping of work and lack of
attention to professionalism;
x. The low voltage network requires urgent attention as it is becoming
downright dangerous in many areas(such as Apac and Ndejje areas) with
low-sagging live conductors that are within arm’s reach;
xi. The level of refurbishment of the LV network does not match that of MV
and this might create a power absorption problem when the proposed
generation plants, currently under construction, eventually come on line.
A comprehensive and phased programme needs to be put in place to
raise the LV network to acceptable level of maintenance and readiness to
absorb power from generating plants being developed;
xii. Some office buildings have been refurbished with new structural
designs(such as Mbarara office),which in effect changes the Land
27
title/Lease obligations, without involvement and notification of UEDCL.
Other offices like Hoima and Rukungiri have been renovated and plans
under way to reconstruct Fort portal office which is commendable;
xiii. Umeme allowed installation/co-location of fibre optic cables on the
distribution network without notifying UEDCL. UEDCL should be
provided with copies of the agreements where the fibre is being used for
commercial purposes as opposed to Control of the distribution network;
xiv. The reliability of the network is affected by ineffective vegetation control
which in effect increases maintenance costs on replacing poles,
conductors and insulators broken by tree branches among others;
xv. DC supply at most substations where biometric access control system
was implemented is not reliable. An additional capacity to support this
function was not considered rendering the existing system unable to
support the substation in the event of a prolonged outage;
xvi. The biometric access control system installed in 2016 non-functional in
most substations. Issues noted point towards poor workmanship,non-
responsiveness of the contractor to attend to issues relating to their
operation and inadequate supervision. The system has instead become a
budden to the existing DC installation(not sized to accommodate this)
hence compromising the system protection at the substations.Umeme
should have planned for a separate DC system for SCADA and access
control,separate from DC for protection.
28
10 REREFENCES
This report should be read in conjunction with:
Report on State of Distribution Assets as at August 2017;
Umeme Investment Plans for 2017;
Lease And Assignment Agreement(LAA);
Electricity (Primary Grid Code) Regulations 2003;
Electricity (Transmission and Distribution) Investments Approval and
Verification guidelines 2013;
UEDCL Geographical Information System(GIS);
Umeme scheduled maintenance plan for 2017.
29
11 FIELD INSPECTION FINDINGS
11.1 SUBSTATIONS
11.1.1 NORTHERN REGION
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Hoima Substation Installed capacity:
1x5MVA
33/11kV,1x1MVA 33/11kV and 1x5MVA 33/33kV
auto transformer Transformer Serial
Numbers:
68279,68288 and 9920254 respectively
All substation structures were still in good condition as from previous inspection;
Stone pitch still not well maintained; SCADA still not reliable;
Poles still stored on ground besides the substation as in all
previous inspections; Security lights not working properly
With increased rainfall weeds were beginning to grow again in
the substation.
Auto-transformer still off with faulty tap changer. Good system voltages have rendered
it redundant.
Need to build a rack for proper storage of poles
Need to make decision
whether to dispose of redundant auto-transformer, or repair
the faulty tap changer and re-deploy it
Masindi Substation
Installed capacity:
2x2.5 MVA 33/11kV transformers
Fencing, gates, yard stones,
guard house, power transformers, and all other
substation structures still okay
Signs of oil leakage on
Transformer No 1 (Energoinvest) around the
valves and breather still evident. Not clear whether the
Need to improve on the
maintenance of the substation
30
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Transformer Serial Numbers: 68281 and 85.4066
respectively
leakage problem had been
addressed.
Kinyara Substation
Installed capacity:
1x 5MVA 33/11kV transformer
Transformer Serial Number:
19010720/.01
Managing weed growth in the
substation still remains a major problem
Substation drainage is also in a bad state
Newly installed battery charger powered up, but NO output
(redundant?)
Consider replacing
grass in substation with stone pitching
Need to urgently work on drainage in the
substation
Gulu Substation
Installed capacity: 2x 5MVA 33/11kV
transformers
Transformer Serial Numbers:
57.234 and 57.232
Plant house expanded to created separate battery room; ceiling
converted to concrete; climate control introduced in switchgear room.
Drainage around the substation still not worked on
Weed overgrowth still a problem, especially with increased rains.
Drainage needs to be improved to preserve
the integrity of the fence and foundations.
31
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Lira Spinning Mill
Installed capacity:
2x5MVA 33/11kV transformer
Substation rehabilitated as part
of 2015 Umeme Investment plan; new plant house; cable trenches introduced; general
civil works done.
Situation still as was found in
the last inspection.
Consider improving the
transformer plinths, and drainage
Poorly installed cable runs should be
straightened out.
Kitgum Substation
Installed capacity: 1x1MVA 33/11kV transformer
Transformer Serial Number:
62468
Switchgear and structures still
okay.
Vendors that used to hang their wares on the substation fence
had been moved away by the civic authorities.
Substation building (former
generator house) that had been fully rehabilitated was already
showing signs of deteriorating, yet under-utilised.
Substation electrical structures had been relocated to pave way
for ongoing road construction works. Remaining to relocate
the civil structures, i.e. guard-house, toilet, and fence.
While transformer was upgraded to 2.5 MVA. It is not known
where the old 1.0 MVA transformer was relocated to.
Space in existing
substation has now become restricted. To
cater for future load growth, there is need to consider acquiring
bigger land elsewhere close to the municipality where a
new substation can be set up.
Concessionaire needs to keep UEDCL informed on the movement of
Distribution Network assets without fail.
32
11.1.2 EASTERN REGION
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Mbale Substation
Installed Capacity: 1x10/14 MVA 33/11kV
transformer Transformer Serial
Number:19010719/03
The Substation has a
capacity of 14MVA at ONAF.
The AC’s, On load tap changers, communication
equipment and Scada found in good working
condition.
The general housekeeping
is satisfactory.
The foundation of the fence
still has holes in several places exposing the S/S to flooding from the exterior
inundation during heavy rains.
The 10/14 MVA, 33/11kV
transformer S/N:19010873/01- that had been on soak for a
long time is still missing; but the Umeme explained that the transformer was
decommissioned on behalf of the UIA ; following a
disposal by UIA and handed over to NEK consults to whom it had
been sold and taken to an unknown location
The remaining loaded
10/14 MVA, 33/11kV transformer (S/N:19010719/03)} still
has a leakage from the
The noise that was
from within the
33KV panels that
had been declared
addressed, was
found existing
again. A smell of
burning plastic
from within the
panels should be
investigated.
The foundation of
the fence should
urgently be fixed.
The entire
substation land
still needs to be
fenced off to avoid
encroachment.
The second
transformer should
be restored to
33
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
cooling fin and the bleeding
valve.
Fencing of the substation
land to avoid encroachments not yet
done.
The CT changes on side of TX2 was not done as was
planned.
The Station has lost firm
capacity and no provision for N-1 contigency.
2 of 4 fans where found on
at 16.56 Hrs at a load of 9MVA.
There was a hissing noise
from the plant house and a pugent smell of burning
plastic that tok time to clear before one could enter
the Plant house.
improve on S/S
availabilty.
The removal of the
formerly soaked
transformer was
un called for; given
the emergent need
for capacity
upgrade (Umeme
should have been
offered to buy it
instead of selling it
to a private firm.
All oil leakages
need to be cured
and the bleeding
valve needs to be
properly closed/
locked to avoid oil
theft.
34
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
The bay from which Tx 2
was removed is not yet repaired. The disconnected
cable are hanging around in an unprofessional
mannar.
The Old Guard house
within the S/S; and the perimeter fence not yet
repaired
The first H-structure at the
S/S on Mbale Industrial 11KV and Bulangira 33 KV lines need replacement.
Bubulo Substation Installed Capacity:
1x5 MVA 33/11kV transformer ( Very old Cranford
transformer relocated from Lira spinning Mill s/s).Serial number not available
The transformer is still
marginally loaded.
The Oil Leakages were
cured.
Vegetation well controlled
using a chemical process.
Guards always found on
duty per visit.
The tap changer cannot be
automated due to the age of the tap changing equipment and mechanism
The steel toilet door still
needs to be fixed onto the hinges
No lights in the Guard
The remote control
of this substation needs more improvement.
Vegetation now being controlled
using chemical weed killer.
However regular control is still advised.
35
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
house and toilet.
Access Control that was installed during rthe year
2017 is not working. Gate has to be locked with a padlock as well.
Station has no water.
The guard house and toilet need
some repairs and provision of water made.
The guards
requested for power connection to the sentry house
and the toilet.
Jinja Industrial Substation
{1x10/14MVA , 33/11kV (S/N:98.2.4067)&
1x10/14MVA , 33/11kV }
Substation still generally
in a sound state with a firm capacity of 14MVA.
All the 33KV circuit
Most breakers are now in
a sound state
upon replacement of the
Kamuli 33Kv CB
The Unigear ABB
switchgear has been abandoned for a long-time;
un commissioned right from installation time. Umeme still indicats that
the switchgear is pending repair by the supplier
Kamuli 33Kv line CB yellow phase blew up and was
replaced twice so far with new ABB out door breaker. The first blew Dec 2016
and replaced on 12th March 2017; then blew
again in June 2017 and the second replacement july 2017.
The drainage in
front of the yard /plant house that
was previously causing flooding was addressed.
The AC’s where maintained and a
regular servicing provider obtained.
There is still a building
foundation bellow 5 feeders
There is a new
33KV bus being extended at the
S/S.
36
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Bees are in the first H-pole
structure near th S/S.
No more spare
bays exist.
Njeru Substation Installed capacity: 1x10/14MVA, 33/11KV
transformer
Transformer Serial Number: ET10046/1
Substation still in good working condition &
properly maintained.
The annual routine
maintannce was done in July/August 2017
No firm capacity at this substation yet it is one of
the key stations serving Jinja area.
No Cable bracket at the
termination for Bukaya 11KV feeder
Feeder labels are missing
The Oil retainers are full of
water that needs emptying.
The A/C was found off in
the Scada Cubicle.
Cable trenches need covering.
The toilet needs a new door
The scheduled maintenance was
carried out in July 2017.
Firm capacity
should be created at the substation.
The insulation of the line droppers
should be improved.
The eminent illegal access provision
along the fence was locally blocked with logs.
Nalubaale Power Station 33Kv switch yard
The yard is well kept with
new stone pitching
Industrial 2 breaker was
replaced with a new SIEMENs out door breaker.
Njeru feeder CB replaced
The Mulco 33KV breaker
has a cracked bushing.
The cause of the
crackimg of the breaker bushings should be
investigated.
The strict security
routine at the
37
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
with a new ABB out door
breaker.
Nalubaale main
gate encumbers access by the operational staff
from Umeme
Iganga Substation
Installed Capacity: 1x5MVA 33/11kV transformer
Serial Number:1901010701 Emirates Transformer.
Substation still generally
okay and well kept;
The JICA switchgear is still robust and
performing well.
Existing equipment house
still needs de- congesting
and protection from water ingress
The alternate access to
substation is still blocked by a potential developer.
There are still prominent signs of oil leakage from
the power transformer bushings and coolers..
The state of the
equipment house
should be improved urgently.
The oil leakages
should be stopped.
Kaliro Substation
Installed capacity: 1x2.5MVA 33/11kV
transformer
Substation still generally
okay.
Transformer still less than
50% loaded.
Substation hosts the
infeed from Kamuli sugar.
S/S has one spare 33KV
panel.
Drainage issue marginally
addressed; access road floods during rainy session
impairing acess.
The termination of the
coaxial cable to the communication cubical not
yet done;
Scada not yet
commissioned;
Vegetation not well
The substation
entry is still flood prone.
Vegetation control
using weed killer like Ambush needs
to be more regular.
Regular AC
servicing needed.
38
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
managed; all the stone
pitching coverd by grass.
Proper and clear labelling
of the panels needs to be done urgently done.
One AC’s found off and a
reset failed.
One 11KV bay still faulty.
Improve stone
pitching with smaller stones.
Kamuli Substation Installed Capacity:
1x2.5MVA 33/11kV transformer Serial Number:57233
Substation still in good working condition &
properly maintained.
The 11Kv Cables raised away from the coolers and
put on a new gantry.
The pit latrine has been
repaired.
All the ACs now working
after proper maintenance.
The battery room was
extended
There is no water at the Substation.
Vegetation control is poor
Stone pitching not well
done.
No proper system diagram
in the S/S.
Drainage within the
Substation is poor
The vegetation control should be
regular.
Water should be
installed.
A proper system diagram should be
installed.
Drainage within
the Substation should be further
improved to avoid silt.
The AC units need urgent regular
servicing.
39
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Security lights
need regular check-up for
functionality.
Nagongera Substation Installed Capacity:
1x2.5 MVA 33/11kV transformer
Serial Number:51750/1 from Soroti Substation
Substation still okay.
All the equipment found
in a sound state; apart from AVR.
AVR found off; with Tap stuck at 5.
Some minor Vegetation found existing.
Most securing lights reported by guards as not
working.
S/S has no water source.
Restored substation still
okay.
Vegetation control
with weed killer needs to be more
regular
Tororo Rock Substation Installed Capacity:
1x5MVA & 1x2.5MVA 33/11kV transformers
Serial Numbers: 68274 & 68285 respectively
Substation still okay.
All the equipment found in a sound state.
One 11KV 8BK20 spare CB exists.
The house keeping in terms
of cleaning was still poor.
Some minor oil leakages at
the Top conservator Tank and bottom main Tank valve observed.
No proper safe parking provision for operational
vechicles. One has to reverse into the main road
at a risk.
The entire
substation land still needs to be fenced off to avoid
encroachment.
The drainage still needs
improvement.
Operational staff
have no safe space for parking at
substation.
40
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Tororo Main Substation-
UETCL All the 33kV outdoor
Switchgear and the corresponding control
panels are still in good working condition
Now all the old indoor
Jacobsen switchear have
been removed.
New 10Mw Solar plant
now connected.
No observed weekness as
yet.
All the
decommissioned Jacobsen
switchgear has been removed.
Outdoor switch
yard well maintained.
Nyakasi Substation-Hima Cement
Substation will have: 2 x 10/14 MVA, 33/11KV Transformers
Conrete works 70% done on a project to be
delivered in 276 days from July 2017.
FAT was to be done 0n 25th Novemver 2017
The Transformers, SCADA and Switchgears are from
Scheneider of Germany.
Non yet The construction civil works
commenced with levelling of site on
7th July 2017.
The entire
installation and commissioning of 2 x 10/14MVA;
33/11KV substation is
expected to take 276 Days as per contractor(Global
Technical Services)
Lugazi Substation –
UETCL,66/11kV{2x10/14MVA 66/11kV}
11KV Switchgear at
substation was found in a sound state.
The two transformers
There were no observable
weak aspects.
The first structures where
not accessible; though the
Regular Gas
checks needed on this maintenance
free ABB
41
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
were found operational
after UETCL repairing the one that was previously off.
Umeme staff reported that
they where in a good state
Tembo 3 cable bracket
missing
switchgear.
All the circuit breakers were
serviced on 11th February 2017
Former Kapchorwa power generation desiel station
Land still exists The existing land not secured by fence
Land enchroached on by a slaughter house
The whole place smells blood and very dirty.
The former plant house being used
as a hide and skin depot.
42
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Moniko Substation –
{2x15/20MVA ; 33/11kV } ABB LTD made August 2016 TX1:
S/No: VN1288 Tx2:
S/No: VN1289 Aux Transformer : 100KVA
The Substation has a firm
capacity of 20MVA. All Plant and Equipment installed are new and
operating well. The items enlisted bellow were installed
and fully commissioned by 3oth December 2016.
9 x GIS ABB ZX2 SF6
11KV breakers;
7 x GIS ABB ZX2 SF6
33KV breakers;
2x15/20MVA ; 33/11kV
ABB Trans fromers
2 x 110VDC Battery
charger and Battery Bank set.
A steel tower anchored aerial earth system
Air Conditioners in the plants house rooms.
AC distribution boards
Tap changer Control Cubile in the plant house
RTU
Mini SCADA
9 Channel CCTV system
No week aspects yet observed The substation was
commissioned on 30th December 2016 and no mal
functioning yet reported.
The Substation is
modern with SMART Aspects.
It is well guarded and all sanitary facilities
are new.
43
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Bulangira Substation
Installed Capacity: 1x5MVA,33/11kV transformer
Serial Number:57.230
The transformer is lightly
loaded.
The station toilet door
needs repair.
The efficiency of the remote
control is suppressed due to the location.
Transformer still has some oil leakages from the
conservator level.
Substation still at
risk of flooding in case the drainage
blocks.
The remote control
efficiency needs to be improved.
Security lights were reported by
the guards to be not working.
Iki-Iki Substation Installed Capacity:
1x2.5MVA, 33/11kV transformer, very old Hawkey Sydly of 1959
Serial Number:77122
Substation generally okay.
A new battery charger was
installed.
The Biometric access control still not
commissioned.
Despite the maintenance
done in November 2017; Some oil leakage from the
transformer tank still persists.
Station well kept;
Vegetation control
with weed killer has been
successful; however regular application still
needed.
Magamaga Substation
{1x2.5MVA,33/11kV (S/N:9422335)}
Old AICHI Tx from JICA2 project
1995
Substation still generally okay. A new guard house and a toilet/ bath room are now in place. Biometric access control installed.
The toilet is water bourne ; yet there is no water.
The S/S needs to be expanded; it is overcrowded.
No security lights
The H-structure with the dropdown isolater needs to be replaced.
There is still need for provision of security personnel with water and security lights
The substation Vegetation control needs to be more regular.
44
11.1.3 WESTERN REGION
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Masaka
Central Substation Installed
capacity:
1x10/14MVA 33/11kV transformer &
1x 5MVA 33/11kV transformer-
for storage-on soak
Transformer Serial
Numbers:
19010719/02 & 68273 respectively
Earth lid near the station supply
transformer room(on the plant house) terminated
DC and chargers batteries well maintained
Power transformer, switchgear,tap
changer & AVR well maintained
Lights in the plant house/security
lights,communication handset,Battery bank/DC system &
fence(bonded to substation earth) well maintained
Main gate in good condition
Biometric access control system
functional
SCADA functional
Transformer No.1&2 oil samps full
of water.Not self draining-the design never provided for it
Air conditioning system not working
Battery for the energy meter
No.E245130 on Bay 102 warning-requiring replacement
Access door for the battery room hardly opens but rather carried-
requires maintenance
A 9kg fire extinguisher that had
been found expired on 04/08/2016 at the guard house,missing at the station(reportedly taken away &
never returned)
Energy meter for the station supply
transformer located very close to the live chamber-unsafe for the
operational staff-need for its relocation for safety reasons
Piped water/tap not operational to
cater for hygiene requirements-connection process never completed
Access road bad with formation of gullies
Proposed
upgrade of Upper ring 11kV
feeder cable from 95sqmm to 185sqmm
pending approval
45
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Kiriri Substation
Installed
Capacity: 1x2.5 MVA 33/11kV
Pauwels transformer
Transformer Serial
Number: 85.40668
Burnt 11kV feeder cable previously
burnt replaced with 95sqmm cable
Rotten MV poles replaced on the
take-off structures and inside the substation(i.e Bus bar H-Structures,first structures,isolators,
switchgear structures, Metering Unit structures)
New 11kV isolators installed for Kibibi & Kabulasoke 11kV feeders
Bus bar conductor changed
Aerial earth installed
Power transformer operational-though requiring maintenance on the
tap changer
2x9kg fire extinguishers available &
serviced
Security lights working
Security guard available & found
dressed appropriately for the job unline in the past
Pit latrine cleared of the charcoal
bags that were found in Q2.
HT protection of the auxiliary
supply transformer (33/8565/100kVA) missing-directly connected
Tap changer not working due to malfunctioning lowering/raising
contactors(reportedly out of stock)-the lowering contactor not
working electrically. It has been maintained several times with no permanent solution realised.
Cable gantry that had been kept besides the transformer at the
substation un-assembled recovered-need for its accountability since it formed part of the verified
investments
Access road to the substation
affected by ongoing road works
Unreliable communication link to
enable remote operation of the biometric access control system at
the substation entrance
Auxilliray supply transformer HT
protection should be put in place &
tap changer lowering/raising contactor
maintained. Accountability of
the cable gantry that was verified
as an investment & found unassembled &
later found missing needed!
Kasese Central Substation
Installed Capacity: 1x2.5MVA
Oil leakages on the metering unit & power transformer cured
DC supply to the station functional with no issues
Auxilliary supply transformer well protected on both HT & LV.
Metering Unit(M.U) with a broken stud and substituted by use of a
binding wire to hold it in position
Transformer oil not
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) free hence with a negative effect
Nkenda substation
132/33kV power Tx No.2 that supplies Kasese
Central
46
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
33/11kV Brush
transformer
Transformer Serial Number:
51750/2
Fire extinguishers(3x9kg) available &
serviced
Equipment well labelled
Water & security guard available
Substation log book available for
recording operational events
Tap changer worked on and
operational
Security lights working
to the people & the environment
Biometric access control system not
functional
Stone pitch lacking
Analog relays hardly reset once they
flag on a fault-crude methods used to forcefully have them reset-digital relays would suffice
Poor jumper termination by use of binding on the Red phase for the
knife blade link(KBL) on the take-off structure for Kasese Town 11kV
feeder
Kasese Town 11kV feeder circuit
breaker DC requires maintenance attention
No substation system line
diagram(SLD)
substation has a faulty AVR
rendering voltage
regulation (electrical operation)
untenable-tap changer only operated
manually
Fort portal Substation Installed
Capacity:
1x5MVA, 1X2.5MVA 33/11kV
Power & Brush transformers
Transformer No.2 oil leakages on the Bucchholtz relay cured
Redandant metering unit formerly on Rugombe 33kV incomer recovered
Transformer No.1 working normally with its tapchanger operational
Power transformers 1& 2 operational
Overhead support structures well
maintained
New air break switch(ABS) & Kijura
33kV line installed /constructed as
Bundibugyo 33kV line Isolator faulty & bypassed in effect
connecting directly onto the substation bus bar.This compromises the reliability of the
substation
All ammeters on the 11kV bus not
working.
Material storage next to the guard
house damaging the fence
Most security lights faulty requiring
Had been agreed that
Umeme officially informs BECS
of their faulty apparatus for
possible maintenance or replacement
(No action
47
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
respectively
Transformer Serial
Numbers: 112019 & 76026
respectively
an alternative feed to the substation bus bar-yet to be commissioned
Biometric access control system functional
Aerial earth for the substation in place to guard against lightening
SCADA functional
Battery bank separated from the
switchgear & accommodated in the new extension to the plant house
DC supply working normally
Air conditioning working
Capacitor bank working
normallySafety mats in place for operational safety
2 of 5 security lights working
urgent maintenance attention
Metering unit for Fort Portal Town
11kV feeder faulted,recovered without replacement
Fence damaged on the upper side,with metallic members
bent,wire mesh with forced openings at the base
Pole(s) storage next to the substation fence and poor
loading/off-loading practices have inflicted damages on the fence
Auxilliary sypply transformer lacks
surge arrestors for its HT protection
Rugombe & Kijura 33kV nulec
circuit breakers locally operated,with no visibility for
remote operation through SCADA.
Underground cable for Kijura 33kV
Metering Unit(MU) structure left exposed above the groud & poorly
secured to the poles by use of binding wire instead of clamps
Energy meter for the station supply
transformer on Nkenda 33kV incomer to the substation poorly
mounted & with poor terminations
Mpanga 11kV feeder cable surge
arrestors not connected
reported on this)
48
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
A few poles stored on ground
besides the fence-likely to inflict damage on it
4 capacitors stored in the battery
room,which is not a storage place
Missing system line diagram(SLD)
at the station
Tx No.1(5MVA) & Tx No.2(2.5MVA)
decoupled,because of different makes
The fence damaged at the rear end, cats or dogs and people can easily
get into the substation & storage area
Stores building has openings on the side of the substation & water
passes through to flood the inside; drainage needs improvement
Main gate to the substation area
broken(as in previos inspection)
3 of 5 security lights not working
Rugombe
Substation Installed
Capacity: 1x5MVA
33/11kV Energo Invest
Protection settings for Mukunyu &
Mabale 11kV feeders rectified-previously one had to physically reset
the relays whenever the lines went off
Security lights working
Security guard found at the station
Plant-house is still in good condition
Pit latrine is in good condition
Unreliable communication link to
enable reliable operation of the Biometric access control system.
Main gate shutters mis-aligned
All the 3 security lights
faulty(flickering)
Battery bank inside the planthouse
with the switchgear
Requires
restoring the faulty
CB,missing feeder cable for Mukunyu 11kV
feeder and subsequent
49
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
transformer
Transformer Serial
Number: 68276
The guard house & fence are in good
condition
Power Transformer is well maintained
All feeder labels in place
Water connection provided
Bats infestation on the plant house
cleared
AVR faulty hence the tapchanger
non functional-relies on the transformer output from Nkenda substation
Circuit Breaker for Mwenge 11kV feeder faulty,Mwenge 11kV &
Mukunyu 11kV feeders linked together with jumpers on the take-
off structure & sharing same CB meant for Mukunyu.
The feeder cable for Mukunyu 11kV
feeder missing from the installation/recovered
Air conditioning not working
Links instead of proper fuses used
for auxiliary transformer HT protection
Access road eroded by running water from the substation yard
Substation yard full of vegetation growth
Drainage channels clogged by eroded soil & rubbish from
neighbouring premises
Yard stone pitch inadequate
separation of the two feeders
All the issues identified in
Q1&2 not attended to
50
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Busunju Substation
Installed
capacity: 1x2.5 MVA
33/11kV, 1x5MVA 33/33kV
Power and Auto
transformers respectively
Transformer Serial
Numbers: 68284 &
00.2.4026 respectively
Power & Auto transformers
operational
Red phase bushing of the 33/11kV
power transformer replaced after a recent severe fault from Jesa Farm 11kV feeder that left it raptured
DC supply well maintained
Substation earth bonded to the fence
Fencing,drainage,stone pitch well
maintained
Fire extinguishers available and
serviced
New security guard in place
Protection settings of Jesa Farm
11kV feeder circuit breaker could not counter the fault,which led to the power transformer failure.The
33kV transformer circuit breaker operated instead. The fault
reportedly originated fom the capacitor bank at Jesa Farm. Discrimination & sensitivity of
the relay protection settings ineffective causing unnecessary equipment failure.
No circuit breaker on the 11kV side of the transformer for its LV
protection-relies on the 11kV feeder(s) protection whose
grading may not suffice, just like was the case for a fault on Jesa Farm 11kV feeder
Biometric access control unit at the main gate faulty
Security lights not working
Kawanda UETCL 33kV incomer not
energised,its line isolator faulty,lacks a circuit breaker and
first structure not labelled
Yellow phase of the Circuit Breaker
for the Auto transformer with a missing surge arrestor
Same status as
in Q1&2 of 2017.
Maintenance of the substation
required to avert the likely
equipment failures.
51
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Use of binding wire for the
joints/surge arrestor terminations as opposed to PG Clamps on the metering unit for the 5MVA
33/33kV auto transformer
No energy meter installation for the
auto transformer metering unit
Mityana 33kV line isolator with
persistent hissing possibly due to a loose connection(noted in previous
inspection too),lacks an operational padlock yet located outside the yard-requires maintenance
Power transformer oil temperature gauge display faulty(stuck at 0°C
mark)
Kiziba 11kV feeder lacks an isolator
& its nulec circuit breaker had 3 faulty & disconnected surge
arrestors
Jesa farm 11kV feeder with faulty &
missing surge arrestors on the Red Phase of the feeder Cable(at cable bracket position)
Surge arrestors on the nulec CB for Katera 11kV feeder not
terminated,Surge arrestor on Red phase for the feeder cable supplying the bus bar not terminated
52
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Stone pitch not restored around
Kiziba and Jesa Farm 11kV feeder cable routes after maintenance works
Some isolators lack operational padlocks
Remote operation of Mityana 33kV line circuit breaker through SCADA
not working
“Jesa Farm” 11kV labelling requires
changing to “Mulwana” 11kV feeder to match the system information
No substation drawing
No source of water at the substation
for SHE aspects
Vegetation growth noted uncleared
Mityana
Substation – Wabigalo Installed
capacity: 2x2.5MVA 33/11kV
transformers
Transformer Serial Numbers:
57.235 &
New air conditioning unit installed in
the control room
Power transformer & tap changers in
good working condition
New battery bank now operational
Biometric access control working normally
Indoor switchgear,RTU,AC in the plant house & safety mat in good
order
Security lights working
Security guard in place
Two(2) fire extinguishers in the
control & battery rooms found to have expired on 03/09/2017.
Stay assembly for Kassanda 33kV feeder Line Isolator structure
doubles as a connection to the 33kV busbar with the two functions separated by Disk Insulators-a
possibility of flashover poses a safety risk-and raises a question of whether an maintenance tests are
carried out on these insulators to check their integrity
Urgent need to
have substation land boundaries
opened & fenced off.The access road appears to
have been enchroahed on & lower,lower
side of the substation
leaves unfenced piece of land
53
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
57.231
Mityana substation – Mutundwe
33kV feeder motor for the isolator/switchgear burnt- Spring charging for the CB can only be
done manually
Isolator & Earth Switches (on 33kV
bays i.e Mutundwe, Busunju,Kassanda & Kiriri) on the
same structure without interlocks, a safety risk for operational staff
Station supply(50kVA Mineral Trafo)
transformer with yellow phase HT & LV protection linked & no surge
arrestors
No oil samps for Power Txs No.1 & 2
Air conditioner(AC) unit in the extension of the plant house meant
for DC not working(just like in Q1&2)
Raptured insulators noted on the outdoor switchgear (isolators)
Oil level for the main tank of Tx No.2 low
Poor workmanship noted on the cable trench for DC cables to the
new battery bank in the plant house extension & cracks already evident in the newly constructed structure
48V DC batteries still
while a foot path was established
on the other two sides of the
substation yard
Substation
maintenance to sort out the
raised issues required and most critical is
the separation of the Isolator and
Earth switch/or provision of interlocks as
being essential in ensuring
safety of the operators. Air Break Switches
(ABS) could be a temporary alternative in the
absence of spares for the
Siemens switchgear
54
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
accommodated in the plant house with the switchgear-undermining
the purpose for which the battery room was constructed-need for
relocation
Transformer No.1 GEC Alsthom
circuit breaker old and sometimes malfunctions
Circuit breakers charged manually-
SCADA would remotely operate the apparatus if the circuit breakers
were not being charged manually
Broken HV bushing on Red
phase,missing surge arrestor & missing striker pin fuse on the station supply(63kVA Matelec)
transformer for Kiriri 33kV Interconnector
Part of the
substation land is not fenced
off,noted a possibility of
encroachment.
First structures
for Kiriri 33kV, Kassanda 33kV,
Busunju 33kV, Namutamba 11kV & Mityana
Town 11kV located on a plot
besides the substation currently with a
wayleaves complaint
Mubende Substation
Installed capacity:
1x 2.5 MVA, 33/11kV transformer
GVR autorecloser circuit breaker installed on Kakumiro 33kV feeder
Stone pitch in good condition
Guard house in good condition
Security guard present and in control
Substation logbook and drawing exist
DC working without anomalies
Fire extinguishers available and
Mubende Town 11kV feeder circuit breaker with a yellow phase surge
arrestor faulty
Faulty/vandalised tapchanger
offering no voltage regulation
Signs of oil leakage through the
gasket
Old Reyrolle Oil CB still exists on
Entire substation land
should be fenced off after
establishing the true boundaries
55
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Transformer
Serial Number:
77123
serviced
Substation access gate intact and
kept locked
Kakumiro 33kV feeder bay un-decommissioned-not used
Security lights(x2) not working
Substation fence is damaged(with a
wide open forced entry) on the rear side besides the pit latrine
Remote operation not possible for Nkonge 33kV Incomer CB, relies on
Nkonge substation circuit breaker in the event of required urgent
isolation
Nkonge 33kV line has a faulty
isolator requiring repair on yellow phase
Wiring for the auxiliary supply
transformer poorly done
Possibility of land encroachment on
substation land possible in the absence of an external fence
covering the entire substation land
Vegetation growth evident in the
substation yard
Ishaka
Substation
Installed capacity: 1x5MVA,
33/11kV
Civil works ongoing with expected
completion date of 31/10/2017,involving construction of
a new plant house,cable trenches and cabs
Entire scope involves total substation reconstruction with two transformers,
One transformer installation
requirements has been implemented contrary to the
proposed scope of two(2). In effect only one plinth and associated cable
trenches have not been provided for.
Refurbishment
works ongoing
56
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
transformer
Transformer Serial
Number: 111211
plant house, indoor switchgear & separation of the outgoing feeder
Ishaka Town 11kV feeder.
Rukungiri
Substation Installed capacity:
1x2.5MVA,
33/11kV transformer
Transformer Serial Number:
68282
AVR repaired and raising contactor
operational hence the electrical operation of the tap changer enabled
Power transformer,fencing,guard house, toilet, access gates in good
condition
Metering unit & energy meter
formerly redundant on Kanungu 33kV feeder next to the substation recovered
Insufficicnt lighting at the entrance
& lower side of the substation
Some switchgear worn out/faulty
and by-passed such as the transformer isolator
Pole-mounted nulec circuit breaker on Kanungu 33kV line has two
faulty/isolated surge arrestors, hence not protected against earth faults. Earth wire for this circuit
breaker broken and illegal operation likely due to its external location to
the substation-to be relocated to inside the yard in sept/oct
SCADA system only allows for
visibility but cannot remotely operate the apparatus, hence
substation manually operated
No oil sump for the power
transformer, oil goes direct into the environment
Labelling for Kagogo 11kV feeder wrongly written as “Kagogoro”
Need for 2 extra
lights(One at the substation
entrance & the other on the lower side of the
yard-below the power
transformer)
The old
redundant building besides the substation
yard could be renovated and utilised as part
of the offices.
Worn-out/faulty
switchgear and associated
accessories like surge arrestors on Kanungu
57
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Yellow phase surge arrestor missing
on Kagogo 11kV feeder circuit breaker-scheduled for replacement in Sept/Oct.
An old and redundant structure/building exists besides
the substation yard, occasioned by floods whenever it rains due to poor
drainage and lack of maintenance
33kV nulec circuit breaker
SCADA functionality
among others should be
addressed
Oil sump
required to avoid direct release of oil into the
environment
Planned
maintenance works not implemented
due to budgetary constraints
Kabale Substation
Installed capacity: 1x 5MVA,
33/11kV transformer
Transformer Serial
Number:
Transformer oil leakages cured
Biometric access contro system working
One air conditioning unit for the control room working
3x9kg fire extinguishers available and serviced
Substation premises and yard clean
110V & 48V DC battery banks
relocated to the new battery room,as opposed to having them housed in
Line isolator for Kabale West 11kV
feeder faulty with the yellow phase permanently linked(operated like a DOF and with no handle provision)
Redandant H-structure with faulty isolator next to the 33kV busbar
Air conditioning for the battery room & one unit for the control unit
not working
Old 48V DC batteries not recovered
from the control room,though
Need to have the
faulty air conditioning units
maintained & attending to highlighted
operational deficiencies
58
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
68271 same place with the switchgear
One security light working
The access gate, stones/gravel,
transformer tap changer,gantries,poles and signage,metering,SCADA
functionality, guard house, security/lights & DC supply in good
condition
disconnected
One(1) security light faulty
Cracks evident on the concreter
ceiling recently constructed
Bus bar conductors with signs of
burning,possibly due to lightning strikes
Kabale West 11kV earth switch
status indicator faulty, hence unsafe for operations
Mbarara
Central Substation
Installed capacity:
2x5/7MVA 33/11kV
transformers Transformer
Serial Numbers:
942024303 & 942024302
New 7SJ66 siemens relays installed
on Bays 107(Ishaka),106(Tx No.2),105(Karamurani),104(Bus
section),103(Ntare),102(Tx.No.1),101(Kakoba),307(Tx.No.2) & 303(Tx.No.1)
Power transformers & switchgears in good maintenance
condition
New 33kV bay installed to cater for
the new 33kV feeder to BMTS steel factory
Remote operation of the control room
access doors functional
Cooling fans for Tx No.2(5/7MVA)
working
Plant house well maintained with a
new extenson due to a need to accommodate a new 33kV feeder
Cooling fans for Transformer
No.1(5/7MVA) not working due to wiring issues-despite highlighting it
in Q1,it has never been resolved.
Old(decommissioned) siemens 11kV
panel stored in the control room with the operational switchgear
Local functionality of the biometric access control system not working
Biometric access control unit at the main gate faulty
Perimeter fence damaged with several openings
Very big tree just outside the substation fence pose a future risk
to the power transformer if not removed early enough
Guard house, toilet & its plumbing
Substation
required complete
refurbishment and opening of
boundaries of the substation land.
There exist past claims of part of
the substation land by a private
developer,who attempted to divert 5 outgoing
feeders in that respect
59
Asset Description Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
under construction
Battery bank housed separately from
the switchgear
Apparatus well labelled
Safety mats in place
Access gate intact with Biometric Access Control system installed
Fire extinguishers in place & serviced
Redandant 3-ph LV pole besides Tx 1
decommissioned
in a poor state with paint peeling off
Drainage issues exist at the
substation with the channel in front of the old store structure damaged
and blocked
Weed growth was evident
Old and abandoned concrete pole rack behind the old store building
needed to be covered up and entire substation yard floor covered with
sufficient stone pitch
Station supply transformer labelling
wrong indicating “50kVA” yet the installed capacity is “160kVA/11kV”
60
11.2 DISTRIBUTION LINES
The following tables describe the status of some portions of the distribution lines inspected. A description of technical
observations have been made in respect of the prudent utility practices regarding operation and maintenance activities
aimed at keeping the network in sound state.
12.2.1 NORTHERN REGION Source Substation
Name of the line
Voltage level
Inspection findings
Hoima Busunju 33kV Main line generally okay. Kyankwanzi T-off previously in a bad state was found WIP with structures being replaced. Complaint was that not all the bad
parts of the line were scoped for replacement.
Masindi 33kV While some of the worst structures have been worked on, e.g.
structure with broken cross-arm struts at Bulindi Zonal Agriculture Station, the line is still in need of major overhaul and
upgrading of conductors.
Munteme 33kV While the worst structures have been replaced, line is still in bad
state as was reported in previous inspections.
With ferdsult network downstream, pole replacements required to sustain the supply; Circuit breaker & Metering Unit at Munteme(Umeme/Ferdsult boundary) necessary
Kinyara Budongo 11kV Estimated 80% of MV structures on this line are deemed rotten. The LV networks are in equally bad state and a safety risk
Line should be considered for urgent and complete rehabilitation
61
Source
Substation
Name of the
line
Voltage
level
Inspection findings
Masindi Nyamigisa 11kV Rotten poles and poor conductors still on most segments of the
line. Kabalye t-off is in generally in good state of maitenance
Masindi Town 11kV Line in a fair state of maintenance. Some rotten poles and worn
out conductors exist. Low voltage networks in bad state of maintenance. Many transformers are reportedly overloaded with LV networks running or long distances from the
transformer
Apac 33kV Many of the bad structures had been either replaced or re-plumbed and stay wires restored. Though it was reported that
there were still many bad structures that need replacement
For yet unclear reasons Bweyale t-off has never been worked on despite being surveyed and scoped for rehabilitation as was done
on the main line.
Long low-sagging spans of ABC still exist in Apac town!
Disused Sectionaliser at Masindi Port and Nulec CB at Apac need to be either re-deployed, if they are still operational, or recovered and disposed of, if out of use, rather than being
left on the line.
Lira Spinning Spinning Mill 33kV Most of the poles are rotten. Rehabilitation of the entire line is necessary
62
Source
Substation
Name of the
line
Voltage
level
Inspection findings
Lira Main Gulu 33kV Line still generally okay after stringing new conductors, and
regular maintenance. Most of the rotten poles have been replaced and interconnector is now relatively stable. Reportedly 132 poles have been replaced to date – 78 on
Gulu side and 54 on Lira side
Apac 33KV Line is still relatively okay
Kitgum 33kV This line needs urgent an comprehensive rehabilitation
Lake Kwania 33kV Line is still okay after refurbishment
Anai 11kV Maintenance work had been carried out on the line and it
was now generally okay
Lira Town MV
and LV network
11kV Rotten poles have continued to be replaced under O&M, plus
conversion of LV to ABC. Most poles replaced have no caps which shortens their lifespan.
The LV networks in Senior Quarters, Junior Quarters, Teso Bar areas are not okay. 2016 status-quo still prevailing
Gulu Gulu Hospital 11kV The line is in need of URGENT SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
Layibi 11kV Despite complete system improvement, reportedly many outages are still being experienced. Attributed to many t-offs
and no means of isolating (auto-reclosers & sectionalisers) faults, especially lightening, emanating from them.
Kitgum Padibe 11kV Nearly all poles on the line were replaced and still okay. Line still in a good condition
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Source
Substation
Name of the
line
Voltage
level
Inspection findings
Ayulu 11kV Bad poles were replaced. Small x-area conductors still remain on
the line. 2016 status-quo still prevailing
Soroti Atirir 33KV Many of the bad structures replaced. A few leaning structures remain that need attention. Kalaki t-off:- A few leaning structures remain that need attention, e.g. re-plumbing.
Town Ring (Osuret t-off)
11KV Has many leaning poles that need re-plumbing. The LV networks need tidying up. Status quo from previous inspections still prevailing.
11.2.2 EASTERN REGION
Asset Description
Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Owen Falls –Jinja Industrial 1 33KV Line
The underground cable need to be put in proper cable ducts
The temporary overhead line diversion is being permanently re-routed under ground at the new bridge crossing.
Owen Falls –Jinja Industrial 2 33KV Line
The underground cable need to be
put in proper cable ducts
The temporary overhead line diversion is being permanently re-routed under ground at the new bridge crossing.
Owen Falls –Jinja Industrial 3 33KV Line
The underground cable need to be
put in proper cable ducts
The temporary overhead line diversion is being permanently re-routed under ground at the new bridge crossing.
64
Asset
Description
Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Jinja
Industrials/s- Kamuli 33KV line
The line has many poles needing
replacement; especially in swampy areas. E.g: Kasambira, Namayira, Musota etc
All leaning or rotten poles in swampy areas need replacement.
Kamuli-Bukungu 33KV
line
The line has many poles needing replacement; especially in swampy
areas. E.g: Irundu, kasolwe etc
All leaning or rotten poles in swampy areas need replacement.
Kamuli s/s –
Namwendwa 11kV feeder
The line is still in a very poor
state.
Total revamping is needed.
Kamuli s/s – Bulopa 11kV
feeder
The line is still in a very poor state.
Total revamping is needed.
Kamuli s/s – Namasagali11k
V feeder
The line is still in a very poor state.
Total revamping is needed.
Iganga s/s – Kaliro 33kV feeder
The line is in a sound state though about 20% of the poles need replacement.
Minor pole repacements and restoring vandalized stays is needed.
Iganga s/s –
Kaliro 33kV feeder (Kawete T-off)
The line is still in a very poor
state. About 65 % of the poles still need replacement on the REA T-off under JICA
Total revamping is needed.
65
Asset
Description
Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Mbale-
Kapchworwa 33KV line
The line is in a sound state
though about 40% of the poles need replacement expecially around the swampy areas of
between Sironko and Muyembe
Minor pole repacements and restoring vandalized stays is
needed. Due to the SITI evacuation; all the week points like dropout fuse links along main line have to be made jumpers. Voltage boosting may be needed at Kapchorwa due to the
extended line upto Suam and upto Nakapiripirit/Amudat
Recent works
executed by Umeme in UEDCL areas
and Umeme areas
The new 50KVA transformer
installed by Umeme at Naabongo Village faulted and
was replaced by UEDCL within a period of one year.
The jobs done in UEDCL domain should have been handed
over officially to UEDCL by Umeme. At Tabakonyi, Shagi and Atari villages only ABC extensions done from REA lines that where existing.
Mbale Town ring 1 11KV
feeder
The line is still over loaded up to 6MVA; yet many portions are still
having steel and 25mm2 SCA conductors.
There is urgent need to have a project for rehabilitation of the Mbale ring 1 to separate Sironko and Budadiri right from
Mbale Substation
Auto
Reclosures on Mbale Town ring 1 11KV
feeder
The Auto- reclosures are not yet
remotely controlled .
Umeme should enable remote operability of the Auto-
reclosures.
66
11.2.3 WESTERN REGION
Source Substation
Name of the line
Voltage level
Inspection findings
Busunju Hoima 33kV Despite recent refurbishment of the feeder a few years
ago(2015), some of the MV poles are rotten witout serving their expected lifetime.
Katera 11kV A number of replaced MV poles still leaning while the
remaining part of the network is composed of rotten/leaning poles and worn-out conductors. Katera T/C transformer is
poorly maintained with the meter installations exposed and also exposing the un-enclosed transformer/live chamber to
the public,which is unsafe.Urgent maintenance action required.
Mitala Maria Kiriri 33kV The line is composed of very badly rotten MV poles,work-
out/muilti jointed conductors with a significant number of structures leaning.Some structures have bent cross arms.The line is highly unreliable and also affected by vegetation
growth.
Kiriri Kibibi 11kV The line is affected by the ongoing road construction works
that have left a number of MV structures in the middle of the roads with delayed diversion of these structures.The MV poles are poor with worn-out conductors displaying multiple joints
where the line traverses trees and swampy areas.
67
Source
Substation
Name of the
line
Voltage
level
Inspection findings
Kiriri Mityana 33kV The line is in a very poor state requiring urgent
refurbishment. Almost all the MV structures are rotten occasioned by reactive replacement of poles that break down
as a result in order to temporarily restore supply. The status quo has not changed from that of earlier inspections.
Mbarara North Ishaka-Rukungiri (Kashenyi T-
Off)
33kV Kashenyi T-off in a very sorry state with most of the poles rotten.
Mbarara North Kabale 33kV Line in good condition.A number of load break switches installed. Line scoped for aerial earth installation(under O&M)
in light of frequent earth faults on the line due to lighning strikes.
Mbarara North Ibanda 33kV Most of the MV structures in sound condition. However, it experiences too many faults.The circuit breakers at the tap-off
points for the UEDCL networks at Nyabuhikye allow faults to go through and trip the line at Mbarara North substation.The
grading/coordination of the protection equipment requires urgent attention by both UMEME & UEDCL.
Despite the line being relatively long(>164km upto
Kamwenge),further extensions continue to be added for example the one recently added past Kamwenge Water Pump.
Reliability of supply and effectiveless of the protection equipment is thus compromised. The conductor from Ibanda to Kamwenge is 50sqmm ACSR and requires an uprate alteast
100sqmm.
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11.2.4 CENTRAL REGION
Source Substation
Name of the line
Voltage level
Inspection findings
Mutundwe Kabusu (TAL Cottages
environs network-Rubaga Road)
11kV The MV Line needs urgent clearance since vegetation growth
has overgrown some of the poles;
Dangerously Rotten MV poles that are a safety risk to the
surrounding residential and commercial areas. Key attention
must be given to structures 2008, 1175 and 1822;
Many network diversions have been carried out
unprofessionally to the existing MV line(refer to the drawing)
around TAL cottages and environs;
LV line is almost in contact with the metallic fence at TAL
Cottages-Rubaga road(refer to annex for the pictures) hence
posing a safety risk. An extra LV pole needed for better
clearance;
TAL Cottages transformer does not have HT protection.
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11.3 NON NETWORK ASSETS-OFFICE BUILDINGS,LAND AND VEHICLES
Asset Description
Observed Strong Aspects Observed Weak Aspects Remarks
Kisoro Office building
Front building in fair condition with no
leakages and internal drainage in fair condition
Neighbouring building seems to have encroached on the plot
External drainage blocked as a result of blocking the gutters
formerly taking the water out
Perimeter wall cracked on the
rear side
Need for opening of the boundaries of the plot
Need for refurbishment of the rear part of the property
Kabale Office building
Recently refurbished and in good condition
Not applicable Well maintained
Rukungiri Office buiding
Recently refurbished and in god shape
With reported minor leakages in the rear structures
Well maintained
Mbarara Office Building
Recently refurbished & reconfigured
Not applicable Well maintained
Kasese Office Building
In a fair condition of maintenance
Upper floor not revovated Upper floor requires attention to bring it to same level of
maintenance as the ground floor
Fort Portal Old
Building
NIL Building completely dilapidated
and not fit for occupation
Plans underway to have it
demolished and reconstructed
Mityana Office
Building
In good condition of
maintenance
Not applicable Well maintained
Mukono
District Office
Building in generally good
condition
The interior of the upper rooms
needs to be revamped.
Total painting of the upper rooms
and repair of ceiling would improve the ambience.
Entebbe Office Building
In good condition of maintenance
Not applicable Well maintained
70
Metro Office
Building
Recently refurbished Not applicable In good condition of maintenance
Bombo Office
Building
Fairly maintained Soe window glasses broken
requiring replacement
Some minor maintenance
attention necessary
Lugazi District
Office
Building in generally good
condition
The interior of the upper rooms
needs to be revamped.
Total painting of the upper rooms
and repair of ceiling would improve the ambience.
Kamuli District Office
Building in generally good condition.
The interior of the upper rooms needs to be revamped. Major plumbing works needed.
Total painting of the upper rooms, the entire interioe and
exterior is needed
Tiling plus plumbing works
would improve the ambience.
The entire drainage of the
water borne toilet and the compound needs to be redone.
The road works are causing
blockages of the drainages leading to flooding of premises.
Front of the building needs protection from the idlers.
Iganga District Office
Building in generally
good condition.
The building and the
entire office environment got a good facelift upon total painting and
removing the pit latrines
No observed weakness apart from the front access area being small.
The plot behind office has some part of the land encroached on.
71
in the hind.
Well kept stors have been created behind the
office yard.
Jinja District
Office
Building in generally good
condition.
The external walls have faded
paint and some interior walls are dirty.
Total painting of the building
needed.
Mbale District Office
Building in generally good condition
The interior of the upper rooms needs to be revamped.
Total painting of the building needed.
Mbale Stores Yard
The fencing was done to barricade the store yard area only.
The area of about 4 acres behind the store yard was encroached by
the police for farming. It needs to be reclaimed as soon as possible.
Tororo District Office
Building in generally good condition
The interior of the upper rooms and some ground level rooms
needs to be revamped.
The parking yard is very
clamisy
The store and all the behind
offices need revamping.
Total painting and revamping of the building needed.
Hoima District
Office
Downstairs offices descent Building has been fully
rehabilitated.
Kikwite Military Hill,Hoima
Site taken over by a retired Lawyer Yesero Mugyenyi who enclosed the entire land; former
radio room extended and used as a rearing place for chicken
Intervention required to secure the UEDCL land formerly hosting the VHF radio
72
Masindi
District Office
Status quo hasn’t changed
from previous inspections
Umeme has abandoned the
dilapidated structures at the Masindi yard, Plot M29 off Kinyara Road, and hired new
offices where they are operating from;
Additional plot & structures on Plot M22, Kinyara Road is
currently used by Umeme staff as residential quarters.
Gulu District Office
Building still okay after complete refurbishment
Lira District Office
Lira office still in a fair condition.
Road work expansion has broken up part of the pavement in front of the building.
Upstairs toilets still not repaired
Broken down plumbing in toilets and broken pavement need to be fixed
Soroti District
Office
Office building still in good
condition after refurbishment.
73
ANNEX: SELECTED PHOTOS OF PARTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION ASSETS
SUBSTATIONS
Figure 4 Ishaka substation under refurbishment anr
reconfiguration
Figure 5 Plinth at Mbale substation where the 10/14MVA;33/11kV UIA transformer was removed
74
Figure 6 Faulty and bypassed Line Isolator for BECS 33kV line at Fort Portal substation
Figure 7 Damage on Fort Portal substation fence inflicted by poles storage
75
Figure 8 Kasese substation transformer with PCB Oil
Figure 9 Non-decommissioned Oil CB at Mubende
substation
76
Figure 10 Jinja Industrial substation abandoned
switchgear never commissioned
Figure 11 Kabale substation 48V DC battery bank in
control room with the switchgear despite plant house extension to have them separated
77
Figure 12 Weed clearing at Mbarara Central
Substation
Figure 13 Faulty Biometric Access Control Unit at
Mbarara Central Substation Main Gate
78
DISTRIBUTION LINES
Figure 14 Capacitor bank at Jesa Farm,Busunju well maintained
Figure 15 Mwenge and Mukunyu 11kV feeders bridged at this structure, with one of the feeder cables
recovered!
79
Figure 16 Rotten structure with broken x-arm on Kiriri-Mityana 33kV interconnector
Figure 17 Underground cable installation for the new
33kV feeder to BMTS at Mbarara
80
Figure 18 Kyankwanzi T-Off on Busunju - Hoima 33kV Interconnector,work in progress(WIP) to replace decayed
poles
Figure 19 Kisoro-Katuna border-stays vandalized and poles rotten
81
Figure 20 Structure 130 on Bweyale T-Off on Masindi - Apac 33kV interconnector with missing insulators
and burnt-off top part of the pole
Figure 21 Seemingly disused Sectionaliser at Masindi Port on Masindi-Apac 33kV interconnector
82
Non Network assets –Buildings, Land and Vehicles
Figure 22 Kisoro Office(rear view) having drainage issues
Figure 23 Mbarara Central S/S land with a threat of grabing
Figure 24 Hoima Office fully refurbished
Figure 25 Kisoro Office(front view)