The City of Ekurhuleni is replacing decades-old oil-filled electricity cables with modern cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables in Kempton Park and Brakpan to improve power supply reliability and reduce recurring outages.

The City’s Energy Business Unit began the repair and maintenance project during the previous financial year, with the installation of the new cables now nearing completion in the two areas.

Work in Brakpan is 50% complete, while Kempton Park is 70% complete, according to the City.

Also read: Widespread electricity disruption hits Kempton Park

Kempton Park and Brakpan, together with a smaller section of Benoni, were the only areas in Ekurhuleni still using the 50-year-old oil-filled electricity supply cables.

The ageing cables had become increasingly unreliable and required frequent maintenance. The City said repairing the old technology was also challenging because of the specialised skills required.

Long lead times for imported parts

In addition, critical spare parts, including cable joints, are not manufactured locally. This could result in lead times of up to four months for parts to be delivered, delaying the restoration of electricity to affected areas.

The replacement cables use XLPE insulation, which is more heat-resistant and has a higher current-carrying capacity than traditional PVC-insulated cables. The cables are also designed to offer greater durability.

Also read: Eskom urges South Africans to report unsafe electricity connections

According to the City, the replacement programme has already delivered several benefits, including reduced maintenance costs, increased electricity capacity, easier access to spare parts and a significant reduction in cable faults.

The City said the project will eventually be extended to parts of Benoni where the old oil-filled cables are still in use.