EMM presents Alrode energy solutions

ALBERTON – Prolonged power outages in Alrode came under the spotlight when Alrode South business representatives met at the Ekurhuleni Energy Department in Swartkoppies, on Thursday, May 21, to discuss energy issues in the area.

Business owners have recently been frustrated by multiple power outages which have resulted in days without power and loss of revenue.The Energy Department representatives presented their customers with a view of the reasons behind the 11-day power outage in the industrial area. Outages were the result of multiple acts of vandalism and theft at two Alrode substations. They were exacerbated by one transformer being out of order for an extended period, leaving Alrode South without a backup when other transformers gave problems. The lack of backup support, combined with the damage to the transformers, resulted in the power crisis.

The Ekurhuleni Energy Department has promised Alrode business representatives that the third transformer will be repaired in the next three weeks. Security upgrades to the substation have also been initiated, including cameras, armed response units and security guards on site. Repairs on a cable, supplying energy to the area, will also begin; enabling a spare cable to be available for use.

Alrode business representatives brought complaints to the department regarding the handling of the energy crisis. Communication was flagged as the main problem experienced by consumers, with people asking that they be given more accurate information in a faster time period. Power gaps and low voltage following the restoration of power was also brought up as an issue which requires the attention of the Metro.