CP tests new cables
Testing of the newly installed aluminium cables between Christiaan de Wet and Wilgeheuwel Substations is currently underway.
City Power is in the process of testing new mains power cables installed from the Christiaan de Wet Substation to the Wilgeheuwel Substation.
Testing has ensued earlier than expected, as the entity had initially planned for this at the end of March.
According to the general manager for the Hamberg Service Delivery Centre, Sibusiso Xulu, these new cables will bring about relief for the local community.
“Due to cable theft, we’ve had to power the whole of Wilgeheuwel and surrounds from another substation. This placed undue pressure on that substation resulting in a trip in the substation every time power was restored.
“These new cables should stabilise electricity to the Wilgeheuwel area. It will also relieve pressure on the Boothill switching station, resulting in more stable electricity for other areas including Honeydew, Honeydew Ridge and surrounds,” Xulu said.
According to City Power (CP), the cables are made of aluminium, which is as effective as copper, but it holds virtually no value on the black market, and should therefore be safe from theft.
Testing was done throughout Friday afternoon, and the next steps will be determined by the outcome of the tests.
“We don’t foresee any problems, but we are fully prepared should any arise,” says Xulu. “It is not quite as simple as just testing cables. Many elements need to undergo testing, but we are hopeful that we’ll see a positive outcome this afternoon.”
According to Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon, this process is the culmination of months of hard work and close collaboration with the CP team.
“These first two cables were not initially budgeted for, and getting the budget approved for this project was no walk in the park. But we are here, and hopefully, this is one problem we can tick off the list.”
Once testing is complete, the CP team aims for a week to be safe, but possibly less, before the final connections are complete.
Xulu warns that, when the final connection does occur, residents will be subject to an eight-hour planned outage while the work is carried out.
The date of this necessary outage will be communicated as soon as possible.
