Tripped transformer leaves suburbs in the dark

On 25 February, a power distributor tripped causing power outages in most Northside suburbs.

Traffic was hugely affected as most traffic lights were out.

Fast food outlets with generators seemed to have benefited from the outage. “We had to buy takeaways which was totally out of our plan and budget,” said Ruimsig resident Hilda Steenkamp who had to travel all the way to Weltevreden Park to buy food. “Outlets close to my house were closed and those that were open had long queues.”

Spokesperson for City Power, Sol Masolo said, “A transformer at Christiaan de Wet substation tripped and caused outage that affected Weltevreden Park, Wilgeheuwel, Honeydew, Allen’s Nek and Ruimsig.”

He highlighted that the transformer was restored at 7.30pm on the same day. “Currently the technical management team has been requested to conduct an investigation to determine what caused it to trip.”