The restoration of power supply in the Njala-Waltloo area has advanced, with the transfer of the power load to Rietvlei completed on Friday, 3 October 2024. According to Lindela Mashigo, spokesperson for the Tshwane metro, the load transfer to Rietvlei is now 100% complete, building on the approximately 95% achieved the previous day. This supports efforts to restore power supply to customers affected by the outage.
Technical teams are working to repair the damaged Waltloo substation, with the installation of equipment and cables about 75% complete. The teams are monitoring power flow and managing the network carefully to prevent overloading. This has enabled the restoration of power supply to parts of the Waltloo supply area. The substation's 132/11 kV equipment is being repaired, and the goal is to complete the work, test, and bring it back online.
The restoration of power supply to Waltloo Industrial Area remains a priority, but the planned reconnection has been postponed. The cables supplying the area run through the same trench as other cables being worked on. Essential work and high-voltage tests must be completed before power can be safely restored. The Tshwane metro is urging customers to use electricity sparingly while the network is being repaired.
The metro is asking customers to limit their electricity usage, especially during peak hours, to reduce the strain on the network. By reducing electricity demand, customers can help protect the network being repaired and limit the risk of further power outages. This is crucial as the area continues to experience power supply disruptions.
In addition to the substation repairs, the city must also repair parts of the electricity network further away from the substation that were damaged by theft and vandalism during the power outage. These incidents have contributed to the repair work currently underway. Coordination with local patrol sectors and patrols by the Tshwane metropolitan police supports efforts to protect the network.
Lindela Mashigo has thanked customers affected by the outage for their patience and cooperation. The completed load transfer and continued progress with installations are important steps towards restoring supply to the remaining affected areas. Further updates will be shared as the work progresses.
The Tshwane metro's technical teams will continue working to complete the outstanding installations and bring the substation closer to the testing and commissioning phase necessary for further restoration. The restoration efforts aim to minimize the impact of the power outage on the community and restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Key points
- The Tshwane metro has completed the transfer of the power load to Rietvlei, supporting efforts to restore power supply to affected customers.
- The restoration of power supply to Waltloo Industrial Area remains a priority, but the planned reconnection has been postponed due to ongoing repairs.
- The Tshwane metro is urging customers to use electricity sparingly while the network is being repaired to prevent further power outages.
