Power surges damage electrical appliances

Recent power surges which wreaked havoc in Randpark Ridge, Windsor Glen and other surrounding areas, have left residents fuming.

Although City Power explained to some residents that these surges were caused by multiple incidents of cable theft, it’s their lack of response or empathy however, that has upset the residents the most. Some residents claimed their appliances were blown up and resulted in damages worth thousands of rands because of power surges.

“A full power surge went through our house on 10 April sounding like an explosion,” claimed Randpark Ridge resident, Raymond Leppan. “It caused major damage to all the houses on our street and others in the area.”

According to Leppan, everyone in his street (including himself) had their multiple appliances like TVs, microwave ovens, DSTV decoders and laptops blown up because of the power surge. “Everyone’s household content got fried,” Leppan complained.

Windsor Glen resident Richard Bold experienced the same problem. “I’ve suffered almost R90 000 worth of damages to my home and appliances,” said Bold. “Recent surges melted my kettle, TV, DVD player among other things.”

Both Leppan and Bold have attempted to claim damages back from City Power’s insurance, but to no avail. “I was told that the cause of the power surges was cable theft, and therefore my claim cannot be processed because it’s not their responsibility,” said Bold.

Various endeavours by Randburg Sun to contact City Power spokesperson, were left unanswered and no response was forthcoming before going to print.