THE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF POWER TRANSFORMERS

This research investigated the assessment of power transformer reliability with emphasis on the transmission network within Rivers State in Nigeria, focusing on the perspectives of electricity consumers, organizational personnel, and business operators using descriptive survey. The study encompassed the entire population of 725,372 electricity consumers in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PEDC) in Rivers State, which included both households and business owners. To select a representative sample, the Convenience Sampling Technique was employed, resulting in the inclusion of 390 electricity consumers in Rivers State. Data collection utilized the Consumers Perception of Electricity Power Transformer Reliability (COPEPT) questionnaire and Structured Interview, with the instrument's reliability established through the test-retest technique, yielding a reliability coefficient for each investigation. Research questions were addressed through the weighted mean score (WMS) analysis. Key findings indicated dissatisfaction among electricity consumers in Rivers State, primarily attributed to factors such as transformer age, overall condition, uncontrolled overloading, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate transformer capacity to meet increasing demand. Addressing these issues, different approaches including upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, implementing limits on transformer loading, introducing robust earthing systems, and increasing transformer capacity, were recommended to enhance consumer satisfaction and overall reliability. The study further revealed that persistent power transformer failures resulted in power outages, adversely impacting businesses, households, communication, and contributing to reduced production and national income. Based on these findings, recommendations in the form of strategies were provided, emphasizing a comprehensive analysis of power surge control during adverse weather conditions, a plan for upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, an assessment of power transformer capacity needs, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies mitigating the negative economic impact and enhancing communication with consumers. Keywords: Reliability Assessment, Power Transformers, Rivers State and Transmission Network.