Electricity restored at Eikenhof pump station after lightning strike damage

Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, alerted residents to a power disruption at the Eikenhof Pump Station caused by a lightning strike at the Eldorado Substation during last night’s stormy weather. Despite the challenging conditions, the City Power Technical Teams worked efficiently to restore power at the affected station by 23:00.

[Statement]: Eikenhof Pump Station Update pic.twitter.com/j9SkJuZQ2B

— Exec. Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda (@KabeloGwamanda) March 19, 2024

Also read: Eskom power stations units go down as electricity demand goes up

Some community members did have a lot to share on X, here is what they had to say:

Not an expert, but know that lightning arrestors can divert surges when powerlines are struck. Also, a long lightning rod at the substation may be helpful for direct strikes. Then again, what do I know. What I do know is that it is time to rethink substation lightning protection

— Fear Fokkol (@FearF63615) March 19, 2024

You should start thinking of having ring feeder on this important infrastructure Mayor, get direct supply from Eskom and you city power. So that you prevent cases like this. Looking the network around there Eskom supply is available and those who get direct from Eskom are fine

— SCE (@SCE42653766) March 19, 2024

Related articles: Two arrested for City Power infrastructure theft and damage in Northcliff substation.

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