While several areas in Centurion remain in the dark after a substation explosion on May 20, the Tshwane metro has managed to restore supply to some areas.
The incident, which occurred around 05:50 on Tuesday, involved the explosion of Transformer 1A at the Zwartkop Substation, leading to a power outage across multiple areas.
MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo confirmed that the explosion also caused a trip on the Lyttelton Line 1 at Njala, initially cutting off Wingate, Aries, and De Hoewes substations’ supply.
Boshielo said that the supply has since been successfully restored to those three areas.
However, residents in Zwartkop, Valhalla, parts of Claudius, Clubview, the Military Base in Thaba Tshwane, and the Zwartkop Airbase remain without electricity.
He said the metro’s Energy and Electricity Department continues with restoration efforts in these areas.
“The teams are working tirelessly to restore supply to all affected consumers as swiftly and safely as possible,” he said.
The current work to restore power to the affected areas is extensive.
Boshielo said the process involves testing of Transformer 2B, oil sample analysis sent to a laboratory, and the replacement of damaged infrastructure, including 630mm high-tension cables and crucial control cables required for the substation’s protection grading.
“Full transformer protection tests are also being carried out to ensure operational safety of the transformer and proper protection grading of the substation.”
He noted that repairs on the Lyttelton/Kwagga Overhead Line 1, which was also damaged by fire, are scheduled to begin on May 20.
“I would like to extend our appreciation to all residents and businesses for their patience, co-operation, and understanding during this time,” said Boshielo.
He added that the metro team will provide updates every day at 19:00.
Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said that the destruction of the 630mm high-tension cables and essential control cables has significantly complicated the repair efforts.
“These control cables are essential for the protection of the substation,” said Bokaba.
He emphasised that the fire damage to the Lyttelton/Kwagga Overhead Line 1 necessitated the disconnection of the line by the sub-transmission team.
Bokaba provided a cautiously optimistic outlook, stating that overnight work yielded positive results.
“Transformer 2B test results have tested positive and are ready to be used,” he said.
He stated that the next step in the process will involve replacing the stolen single cores and multicores for Transformer 2B.
Despite these advances, he stressed that the estimated time for full power restoration will only be communicated once the majority of the repair work is completed.
*Please note this article has been amended
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