ETHEKWINI Municipality has launched a major high-voltage transformer refurbishment project, with Isipingo among the areas benefiting from upgraded electrical equipment.

Also read: Ethekwini rolls out pre-paid electricity meters in public schools

According to the municipality, the Energy Management Directorate recognises the critical role reliable electricity plays in sustaining households and industries. The project, led by the High Voltage Substations Branch, aims to strengthen the city’s power transmission infrastructure.

The maintenance programme targets medium- and high-voltage transformers operating at 11 kV, 33 kV, 132 kV, and 275 kV across substations city-wide. These transformers are vital to the network, converting and regulating electricity for safe and efficient distribution.

“Over time, even the most durable transformers deteriorate. Without proper maintenance, they risk failure, which can leave thousands without power. To prevent such outages, the directorate is carrying out comprehensive overhaul maintenance to restore transformers to peak condition, extend their lifespan, and improve overall performance,” it said in a statement.

The initiative offers several benefits, including improved network reliability, reduced chances of unexpected breakdowns, fewer and shorter outages, and greater cost-efficiency compared to replacing equipment. Refurbishment also supports the directorate’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality electricity to all residents.

Work has already been completed at several strategic substations, strengthening the city’s grid and preparing it to meet growing demand during high-usage periods such as winter and the festive season. However, the municipality warns that electricity theft and vandalism remain major threats to infrastructure.

Substation vandalism often forces the city to use temporary measures, such as switch pillars, which lack proper electrical protection. In the event of a fault, these can cause wider outages, undermining service reliability and economic productivity.

To address the problem, the directorate is procuring a Substation Security System to deter theft and vandalism, helping safeguard investments made through projects like the transformer refurbishment programme.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.