Tshwane implements load reduction to feed areas affected by N4 outage

The Tshwane metro will on Wednesday implement load reduction so it can supply power to areas currently plunged in prolonged outages.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said this was due to the electrical team’s plans to direct power to affected areas.

“The Tshwane energy and electricity technical team has taken the extraordinary step to feed the Waltloo and Mamelodi substations with electricity from the Njala substation,” said Mashigo.

He said this was as a result of the pylons that fell along the N4 on Sunday due to what he said was suspected vandalism.

“Ordinarily, Waltloo and Mamelodi substations are fed by the Pumulani substation, which has also been affected by the power outage which occurred on Sunday night in the wake of suspected vandalism to a pylon along the N4 east freeway.”

According to the city, the incident affected parts of Pretoria east, North and Centurion.

On the question of safety, Mashigo said the technical teams changed the setting, adding that it also performed protection grading at the Njala substation last evening and this work was completed this morning.

“The switching team was dispatched to the Waltloo and Mamelodi substations this morning to start energising transformers to soak, after which they added the load gradually, while constantly monitoring the load,” Mashigo added.

He, however, said the system would likely trip, adding that as a measure to mitigate this possibility, the municipality will implement 4-hourly load reduction in some areas of Waltloo, Mamelodi (1, 2, 3), Pumulani, and Koedoespoort.

“The city acknowledges that, in addition to daily load reduction implemented by Eskom, some residents will have to endure the extra pain of load reduction.

“This is done to ensure even and balanced provision of power to all the residents.”

Mashigo said this load reduction would affect regions 2, 3, 5 and 6. He added that the municipality will issue a schedule in the course of the day (Wednesday).

ALSO READ: Theft, vandalism could be behind the collapse of electricity pylons – mayor

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram