CCY inspects NEDCo substation as Yendi gets a major power upgrade — a new 66 MVA transformer

The Concerned Citizens of Yendi paid a monitoring visit to the NEDCo substation where a long-awaited transformer upgrade is underway — a development the organisation says is a step toward ending the chronic power outages that have paralysed life in the municipality.

**Old capacity: 33 MVA

New capacity: 66 MVA

Capacity gain: 2×

**

A community that has waited long enough

For years, residents of Yendi have endured a cycle of unpredictable power cuts that have disrupted households, stalled businesses, and undermined the delivery of essential services including healthcare and education. The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) substation serving the municipality has long been identified as a bottleneck, its 33 MVA transformer operating well beyond its design capacity for a growing urban population.

CCY on the ground

In its role as a civic watchdog, the Concerned Citizens of Yendi (CCY) recently conducted a site visit to the NEDCo substation to assess the progress of the installation firsthand. The visit reflects CCY's commitment to keeping the public informed on infrastructure developments that directly affect daily life in the municipality — and to holding service providers accountable for timely delivery.

During the visit, CCY representatives observed that a new 66 MVA transformer is being installed to replace the existing 33 MVA unit — effectively doubling the substation's power-handling capacity. The works are ongoing, and the installation phase, while temporarily disruptive to supply, is expected to yield significant and lasting improvements once commissioned.

What the upgrade means for Yendi

A 66 MVA transformer is not just a technical specification — it represents a tangible commitment to the future of Yendi. With double the capacity, the upgraded substation will be better equipped to handle the municipality's current electricity demand while accommodating future growth driven by expanding commercial activity, population increase, and new public infrastructure projects.

Businesses that have relied on generators and suffered productivity losses from erratic supply stand to benefit most immediately. Households, health facilities, and schools will also experience more stable power — a prerequisite for improved quality of life and service delivery across the municipality.

CCY's call to action

CCY has called on NEDCo to maintain transparent communication with residents about the installation timeline and to minimise disruptions wherever possible. The organisation also urges the relevant authorities to ensure that the completed upgrade is properly maintained — so that the investment delivers long-term value rather than becoming another deferred problem.

CCY will continue to monitor progress and report to the community as the project advances. Residents with concerns or information to share are encouraged to reach out directly.