Eng. Salah Al-Qalqam to SadaNews: The cost of replacing the transformer in Beit Hanina with a new one exceeded 1.5 million shekels

SadaNews - The Jerusalem Electricity Company announced the replacement of the main transformer at the Beit Hanina substation north of Jerusalem, as part of its strategic plans aimed at developing infrastructure and enhancing the reliability of electric current in the town and its surroundings.

 

The Director of the Central Technical Affairs Department at the Jerusalem Electricity Company, Engineer Salah Al-Qalqam, stated in his talk to "SadaNews" that the transformer replacement is part of the investment projects that the company implements annually, including the development of high and low voltage networks and the construction of new substations to meet the needs of population and urban growth in Jerusalem and its surroundings.

Al-Qalqam explained that the project involved replacing the existing transformer with a new one with a capacity of 20 megavolt-amperes instead of 15 megavolts, noting that the aim of this expansion is to accommodate the increasing urban expansion in the Beit Hanina area and meet the growing electrical loads, in addition to enhancing the flexibility of the electrical system and ensuring continuity of supply in emergencies.

He added, "The new transformer features higher efficiency and advanced technologies in control systems and voltage stability, allowing it to be easily integrated into the company's central monitoring and control system, which contributes to improving the quality and stability of service."

Al-Qalqam indicated that the preparation, transport, and installation process took about five days of intensive work, which included complex logistical arrangements due to the heavy weight of the transformer, which is about 35 tons.

He clarified that the company used heavy equipment specifically for transporting and installing the transformer, in addition to strict safety procedures coordinated among various departments of the company to ensure the smooth execution of the operation without interruption in electric supply.

Al-Qalqam also pointed out that the cost of the project exceeded one and a half million shekels, affirming that this investment will positively reflect on the stability of the electric current in the Beit Hanina area and the northern areas of Jerusalem, especially after notes recorded during last winter concerning disturbances in the current due to high loads.

He concluded by saying, "Citizens are expected to notice a clear improvement in the quality and stability of the electric current this winter, thanks to the modern technologies used in the new transformer and the remote monitoring and control system."