Tshwane metro has completed major repairs and installations at the Waltloo Substation, a key step in the city’s work to stabilise the electricity supply.

The work forms part of the city’s Energy Stabilisation Plan, which aims to strengthen critical electricity infrastructure, improve network reliability and reduce the risk of unplanned outages across the metro.

The 11kV/132kV Waltloo Substation primarily supplies industrial and residential areas in the east of Pretoria, including Waltloo Industrial, Silverton extensions, N4 Gateway, Nellmapius and Eersterust. Other served areas include Leeuwfontein Estate, Sable Hills and Willow Park Manor.

Frans Boshielo, MMC for Utility Services and head of the city’s Energy and Electricity Business Unit (EEBU), said all planned installation and restoration work at the substation has now been successfully completed.

He said the work included installing a new 11kV transformer cable end box and associated transformer upgrades to restore supply stability to the Waltloo supply area.

“The project involved several technical tasks, including installation of the transformer cable box and completion of multiple 630mm² cable joints,” Boshielo said. “Work also included reconnecting flexible conductors inside the transformer flexible box, oil pumping and sealing flexible connectors, and terminating several single-core 11kV cables onto the transformer cable box.”

Additional cable joints were also installed, and the completed system underwent pressure testing to verify the integrity and insulation performance of the installed cables.

“Despite the physical installation work being completed, technical teams have opted to conduct further precautionary testing before the transformer is energised,” he added.

Boshielo said these additional tests are necessary to ensure the equipment can operate safely and reliably before being brought back into service. “As part of the city’s Energy Stabilisation Plan, infrastructure returning to service must meet strict technical standards to ensure the network can operate reliably and carry load without risk.”

He explained that the Waltloo supply area includes critical industrial loads, making it essential that the transformer is fully verified before electricity is restored through the upgraded infrastructure. “The EEBU team will only proceed with energising the transformer once all verification tests confirm that the equipment is fully stable and capable of safely carrying a load.”

A further update on switching procedures and power restoration timelines will be communicated once the final testing phase has been completed.

Boshielo thanked residents and businesses for their patience during the work, saying the upgrades form part of a broader effort to strengthen the reliability of Pretoria’s electricity network.

“The city appreciates the patience and understanding of residents and businesses affected during this process as we work to ensure a safe and stable power supply across Tshwane.”

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