In the letter, Henry Tiedemann, complained about the frequency of power outages in Brakpan.

“I am now considering approaching other businesses in the town to institute a class action court interdict to force the council to own up to the real reason for the problem, have it rectified or face claims for loss of profits, as it is clear that the problems are no longer isolated disruptions,” he wrote.

“Someone needs to answer and take responsibility for this problem.”

In a statement issued by council’s department of communications and brand management, the metro provided an explanation on the cause of the recent power outages:

* April 30: theft at Van Eck Substation.

33kV NEC (Neutral Earthing Compensator) completely vandalised and all copper windings were removed by thieves.

* May 2: equipment failure at Van Eck Substation.

33kV NEC failed, possibly as a result of the theft that occurred on April 30.

It was necessary to shut down the entire Van Eck Substation to execute the necessary repairs leaving 98 per cent of the Brakpan area without power.

The duration was from 10.30am until 11pm.

* May 5 to May 6: Explosion at Van Eck Substation.

33kV NEC that was replaced on May 4, exploded for a reason that is currently under investigation.

The duration was from around 12.30pm on May 5, to around 11pm on May 6.