New cable installation a resounding success, despite delays
City Power has completed the installation and connection of the new aluminium power cables between Christiaan de Wet and Wilgeheuwel Substations.
Yesterday’s extended electricity outage yielded results and Wilgeheuwel is now once again connected to its own dedicated power cables, and fed from the Christiaan de Wet Substation.
According to Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre’s general manager Sibusiso Xulu, the two new cables have more than enough capacity to supply the area and in addition to stabilising current electricity supply, it also makes provision for planned developments within the area.
“We had to extend the outage a little longer than planned because we encountered a phasing issue at Boothill switching station that we needed to resolve before reconnecting the power,” says Xulu.
“We also used the opportunity to carry out some maintenance on breakers.
• Also read: UPDATE: City Power announces large Northside outage as new aluminum cables to be connected
“I am confident that areas fed from Christiaan de Wet, as well as areas fed from Boothill will experience immediate relief from the frequent power outages they have been experiencing.”
The new aluminium cables hold virtually no value on the black market, and therefore should not be targeted by criminals.
Xulu adds that City Power has done its best to spread the word that these cables cannot be sold.
“We’ve asked all the contractors who worked on this project to make it clear to their workers that these cables hold no resale value.
“We will rely on the local media and the community to do the same. Hopefully this helps to curb the rife vandalism and theft that have been experienced in this area.”
