Some significant occurrences are peculiar to the utility sector. One of which is the analogous relationship between power cuts and weather conditions. Whenever it rains, it is a common occurrence for utilities to seize supply to affected areas. This coincidence has left many persons (Nigerian’s in particular) to attest that power lines become wet due to the rains and have to dry before electricity is restored.
While the trend of events associated with power cuts and rainfall has proven to be true. It is essential to understand the reasons behind power cuts during rainfall.
1. Lightning: Lightning is a very powerful electrical discharge made during a thunderstorm. It has millions of electron volts that could knock down trees, smite transformers or power lines. Due to the construction of power lines above ground in overhead lines, these lines are affected by the change in electrostatic charges from lightning. If lightning strikes a transformer or knocks trees or branches onto the power line, then power will be out, and it can span from hours to days depending on the extent of the damage (learn more).
2. Heavy Winds: Heavy winds can also be a reason for a power outage. A tree branch or a full tree can be blown off by heavy wind and fall over a transmission line, either cutting off the wires or cutting down entire poles. This occurrence can lead to a power outage.
3. Faulty Infrastructure: Faulty infrastructure is probably the capital reason why power cuts happen whenever it rains in Nigeria (Learn more). Faulty infrastructure is prone to short circuits when it rains. Most transmission and distribution lines in the country are outdated and in ruins. Broken wires and short circuits can cause trippings in the transformer of feeders. It is no wonder that utility operators deliberately cut electricity supply to minimise the damage.