Introduction

Electric power usage has integrated into our daily lives in line to digitalized lifestyle, source of power for human basic needs like water, food and health treatment provisions especially in urban and semi urban areas of Ethiopia. According to Ethiopian embassy based in Netherland’s report posted on April 24,2018, Ethiopian electric power coverage surpasses 57 percent.  This figure was reported before the inception of Ethiopian north crisis which have affected social, economic and rights of individuals in general across the country.  

State electric power corporation web indicates Ethiopia is managing 22 power generating stations with a total of 4818.2 MW from hydro. Besides the power plants, high voltage transmission lines and substations are crucial to transfer the generated power from the power plant to the national power grid as well as to provide quality electricity nationwide.  Currently, the total stretched high voltage transmission lines has reached more than 17,000km across the country ranging from 132kv to 500kv. The number of Substations has reached 163 substations ranging from 132kv to 500kv. 

Zone Cities without substations

Dembi Dollo, a market town and separate town in south-western Ethiopia is the capital of Kelam Welega Zone of the Oromia Region.  Dembi Dollo is known for goldsmith work and tej (local beverage) production in 1900’s.  By 1958, Dembi Dollo became one of 27 places in Ethiopia ranked as First-Class Township. That same year, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia opened a branch in the town.

Source on Facebook page, Dembi Dollo times, indicates that Dembi Dollo had its first electric power in 1958 before it was taken to Tigray region during the EPRDF regime. Amid presence of university and nonfunctional Airport, Dambi Dollo town is one of the oldest cities in Ethiopia, Oromia Region without electric power substations and currently getting 66KV from nearby substations (Gambela) with eucalyptus electric poles on shift basis which is much lower than Ethiopia substations power limit (132kv). 

Risk associated with Electric power outage

• Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevent use of medical devices.
• Expose small enterprises with generators for extra expense on fuel procurement.
• Hardly affect most vulnerable people with low income to return to the old practice of hand grain mill. 

Conclusion

Some research indicates power outages will last 24 hours on average in Africa. However, electric power outages at Wollega Zones in general and Dembi Dollo town goes beyond a month since the change of government structure in 2018.  Amid the presence of internally displaced communities and shortage of income for daily workers, the presence of humanitarian workers is insignificant, and people are suffering in terms of social, economical and psychological point of view. 

Hence, the situation in Wollega Zones needs due attention from the ruling government and international organizations so that people will get relief from ongoing suffering and electric power fluctuations.