Explosion at Drowell substation causes mass power outage

Council has assured residents in large parts of Rand West City that power will be restored later today after an explosion at the Drowell Substation on Tuesday evening, January 17.

Areas currently affected include Randpoort, Bootha Plots, Loumarina, Elandsvlei, Ooster, Townlands, Wheatlands, Wilbotsdal, Greenhills, Helikon Park and Dan Tloome, parts of Culemborg Park, parts of Homelake and OR Tambo.

DA Ward Councillor Alwyn van Tonder said one of the main switchgears exploded shortly after load-shedding at about 18:30.

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“The electrical department was immediately notified,” said Van Tonder.

He added that due to the smoke and carbon that was in the substation, the team could not start working on the substation last night (January 17).

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“They are already at the substation and have been there since early this morning (January 18). The switchgear will be replaced, damage to the panel repaired and then the substation must be cleaned to get rid of the carbon dust that’s in the panels.”

Van Tonder further explained that if all goes well and according to plan, power should be restored by tonight.

“But it can not be guaranteed because other faults can be identified in the process while technicians are working, if so it might take longer to restore.”