Cable upgrade to reduce power outages in Kempton
The previous 66kV network between Aston Manor and the Cargo Substation, constructed in the 1970s, used oil-based technology.
There could be light at the end of the tunnel for Kempton Park residents plagued by constant power outages.
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Last week, engineers handed power over the new 66kV aluminium cable to the City of Ekurhuleni.
The installation of the cable was the culmination of a year’s upgrades to the energy system supplying Kempton Park.
The upgrade to the 66kV network began in February last year and was completed in February this year.
The handover follows the re-routing of an oil-insulated cable from the Cargo Substation to the Aston Manor Substation.
MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy Senzi Sibeko were present as chief engineers switched over the nearly 3km cable at Cargo Substation in Kempton Park.
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“The City of Ekurhuleni has responded to frequent power outages in Kempton Park by installing a new and reliable cable.
“The cable forms part of the Kempton Park electricity network upgrade project,” said Sibeko.
According to the MMC, the previous 66kV network between Aston Manor and the Cargo Substation, constructed in the 1970s, used oil-based technology.
He said this technology has since become obsolete and it was difficult to maintain.
“The cable became expensive to maintain, with spare material becoming scarce, resulting in prolonged outages in most parts of Kempton Park.”
Sibeko said the network upgrade project would bring modernisation and stability to one of the critical components of Kempton Park’s electricity networks.
He added the project consisted of five phases. They had completed three phases and the final two were near completion.
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“The installation of the cable will bring significant electricity supply stability to Rhodesfield, Kempton Park CBD, Aston Manor, OR Tambo International Airport, Nimrod Park, Glen Marais, Pomona and Bonaero Park.
“We can say to our residents we have a stable supply of power to areas that constantly had challenges with power outages.
“With this technology, the city will be able to detect faults and deal with them timeously as and when they arise,” said Sibeko.
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