Tristan da Cunha's Electricity Supply System
underwent a major re-development in 2013/14
Electricity is generated by diesel generators at the Fishing Factory. New generators were installed after the devastating factory fire in 2008. We feature the work done to restore power and install new generators below :
go there now using this link: 2008 Factory Fire
Alex Mitham's photo right taken on 11th January 2014
shows the village ablaze
with a network of new street lamps
installed in 2013. |
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Final Report on the Electrical Reticulation Project 2013/14
From PWD Director Drew Campbell 6th June 2014
Background:
BFBA Electrical Consultants (RSA) were appointed in 2012 by the Government of Tristan da Cunha to design and implement a new underground electrical reticulation system for the Settlement. In turn BFBA, led by Patrick West, designed the system, obtained tenders and appointed VE Reticulation as the contractor for the works, assisted by the local workforce.
Scope of works:
The first phase of the works included trenching and laying of LV and MV cables, construction of plinth bases for the MV transformers, road crossings and preparation works for the final connections. The second phase of the works consisted of installation of the MV mini-subs, kiosks, street lighting and final connections. Prior to final switchover, the electrical meters were replaced in both houses and government buildings. Finally, redundant transformers and connections were made safe and the kiosks had barriers erected as well as reflective tape applied to these and certain streetlights. Once the water project is completed the overhead power cables and redundant street lighting will also be removed.
Works Timeframe
VER sent materials and contractors to the island in the first quarter of 2013. The first phase started with trenching, crossings and cable laying from April 2013 to July 2013. These works were done in conjunction with the Electrical & Plumbing Section using teams of local labour.
Phase Two began in October 2013 with the arrival of the MV Mini-subs, the kiosks and the remainder of the materials and fittings. The electrical contractors returned shortly thereafter to oversee and do the final connections which included all the private homes, government buildings, street lighting and a complete switchover from the old system to the new. BFBA’s
Consultant visited in Oct/Nov 2013 to oversee the final phase of the work, to ensure compliance and do the handover. All handover certificates were supplied, as-built schematic diagrams and certain certifications. The contractors left in mid November 2013 with the local teams completing the installation of new electrical meters to all buildings, barriers and reflective tape. Therefore, the entire project took in total approximately six calendar months to complete. This is a notable achievement with valuable training and experience gained. |
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Summary
Due to the lengthy lead-in to the project, there was a reasonable amount of time to fully design and cost the project to ensure VFM (value or money) and a good specification. The consultants, BFBA from Cape Town RSA and contractors VER , took the project in their stride and delivered the completed electrical reticulation system to an excellent standard whilst allowing spare capacity for growth should the need arise. If anything, as always with the remoteness of TDC, procurement was the main issue that had to be overcome but generally it was well managed and did not cause unnecessary and costly delays. Special mention must be made of the local teams led by Robin Repetto, Head of the Electrical & Plumbing Section as well as the visiting contractors from VER, Deon Brand & Wynand. (see picture right) . |