The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that the cause of the fire at the Van Eck Substation on February 7 was a result of attempted cable theft.
According to the city, the attempted theft resulted in a flashover (high voltage electric discharge) in the switchgear compartment.
The fire resulted in damage to the secondary/local panels.
Different panels are the reason some areas have been restored while others remain without electricity.
“The primary panels were not damaged but only the 11kV secondary/local panels,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Today (February 9) marks the third day that households and businesses in Minnebron, Sunair Park, Sonneveld, Kenleaf, Withok, Dalpark Ext 1, Rand Colleries and surrounding areas are without power.
While no restoration time has been provided, repairs are ongoing and it is anticipated that the supply will be restored by the end of the day.
