WATCH: Full power restoration in Palm Ridge expected by July 15, says Ekurhuleni
Two of the three transformers at the Palm Ridge substation have passed key tests, with the City of Ekurhuleni now fast-tracking a workaround to restore power to thousands by next Tuesday.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has confirmed that two of the three transformers at the fire-damaged Palm Ridge substation have passed preliminary testing and are ready to carry electrical load.
This marks a significant step towards restoring electricity to thousands of residents and businesses affected by the blaze on July 3.
The third transformer, which sustained damage during the incident, is currently undergoing repairs.
To speed up the restoration process, the city has announced a contingency plan to temporarily bypass the burnt control building and directly supply power to the Palm Ridge, Namhlanje, Sky City, and Escalator switching stations. This workaround is being prioritised and is expected to be implemented between today and Friday.
If all goes according to schedule, full power restoration to the affected areas is projected by Tuesday, July 15.
The MMC for Energy, Councillor Mzayifani Ngwenya, visited the substation site this morning with local ward councillors to assess the recovery progress and engage with technical teams.
@albertonrecordTwo of the three transformers at the Palm Ridge substation have passed key tests, with the City of Ekurhuleni now fast-tracking a workaround to restore power to thousands by next Tuesday.
The fire severely damaged the substation’s ripple control room, which housed critical electrical breakers. The incident has further fuelled public frustration in a region already battling service delivery challenges and deteriorating infrastructure.
In response, the CoE deployed a full technical team to conduct recovery operations, including debris removal and high-voltage cable pressure testing.
The results of the transformer tests were considered critical in determining the repair timeline.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, led by municipal engineers and fire safety officers. While the official cause has not yet been confirmed, many residents believe the fire was sparked by illegal electricity connections, allegedly linked to more than 1 500 informal dwellings in the area.
Authorities have urged the public to protect the remaining infrastructure, warning that theft or vandalism could cause further delays in power restoration.
In the meantime, several businesses remain closed, citing operational disruptions and financial losses, while affected households continue to endure power outages during the winter chill.
For continued updates on the Palm Ridge substation recovery, follow the Alberton Record online and on social media.
