Metro sheds light on power interruptions

These are the questions put to EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe (TG) at the end of June:

• Why are Rynfield and Crystal Park experiencing power interruptions? Is it due to there being only one transformer online and aged cables?

TG: The Rynfield area has not been affected recently.

The 20MVA 132000/11000 volt power transformer is capable of handling the total load for the Rynfield electrical network.

The Crystal Park area was affected by numerous outages in the last two weeks, as a result of failures of 11000 volt cables, specifically three cables.

The cables were installed in the late 1980s and have been experiencing inherent defects in the sense that once a failure occurs on the cable, numerous faults can follow thereafter, or it could remain stable.

It was proven that one of the cables, between Mullin and Hannay streets, became totally redundant and it was replaced with a new cable on Tuesday, June 28.

Please note that the age of cables will not necessarily play a role in their life expectancy, but rather the quality of their installation.

• When did these interruptions start and how long do they last?

TG: From Friday, June 24, with an average outage duration of three hours and, in one instance, up to 10 hours when one of the cables mentioned had to be repaired before restoring power to the area.

• What is the status of the Pretoria Road substation that was damaged in a fire? Is there only one transformer operation? If so, how many should there be and why are there not more in operation?

TG: Yes, as per the response in question one.

The substation is equipped with two similar transformers, with the one damaged on January 22.

• Will a new transformer have to be ordered from China? Has this done and when will it arrive in South Africa?

TG: No, the failed transformer will be locally repaired.

The transformer is at the workshop of a reputable transformer repair company.

• When will these two affected suburbs’ power be restored to normal, without any interruption?

TG: The action plan is as follows:

* The outside building damages due to the fire have been repaired.

* The Crystal Park 11000 volt network is in the process of being strengthened in order to supply the total Crystal Park suburb from the 132/11kV Crystal Park substation, situated at the corner of Totius and Springs roads.

It is anticipated that this process will be completed by Friday, July 8.

The above will allow for the Rynfield substation to be switched off to allow for the internal building repairs, painting, new ceilings and flooring, all damaged due to the internal fire and smoke damages.

* A new 11000 volt 26-way switchboard has been acquired and installation of same will be on completion of the civil repair works.

* Once the switchboard is installed the substation will be energised and the networks normalised.

* On approval of the service provider of the transformer repairs the estimated repair time on the faulted transformer will be three months.

* In conclusion, it is anticipated that the Rynfield substation will be totally normalised, including the transformer, by October 30.

• Has the metro informed residents of power interruptions? How has it done so?

TG: No, failure of cables and equipment can’t be anticipated before they happen.

The outages are all forced interruptions and are being dealt with as and when they occur, with dedicated staff to restore the electricity supply in the shortest possible time.

• Can business owners lodge a claim with the metro to be compensated for loss of revenue due to the loss of electricity? Please explain the process.

TG: In terms of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Electricity By-Laws, which took effect on April 24, 2002, Clause 32, irregular supply: “The council shall not be liable for the consequences to the consumer or any other person of stoppage, variation, surge or any other deficiency of electricity from whatsoever cause, provided that compliance with the Electricity Act is maintained.”

Also read:

Metro begins ‘permanent solution’ for power outages

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