Key Takeaways:
- City Power is dealing with extensive power outages across Johannesburg, with over 2,700 open calls as of Christmas Day.
- The power utility has issued warnings about system constraints and urged customers to reduce their electricity consumption to prevent overload.
- Inclement weather is complicating restoration efforts, with repairs and restorations potentially delayed as a result.
- Various service delivery centers are managing high volumes of incidents, including Hursthill, Inner City, Roodepoort, and others.
- Progress has been reported in some areas, with power restoration efforts nearing completion in certain neighborhoods.
Introduction to the Power Outages
The city of Johannesburg is experiencing widespread power outages on Christmas Day, with City Power reporting over 2,700 open calls as teams work to restore electricity to thousands of affected customers. The power utility has issued urgent warnings about system constraints, urging customers to reduce their electricity consumption to prevent overload. This is a critical situation, as the power system is currently constrained, and any additional strain could lead to further outages.
The Impact of Inclement Weather
Inclement weather is complicating restoration efforts across Johannesburg, with City Power warning that the possibility of inclement weather conditions could affect their response time to outages. As a result, repairs and restorations may be delayed, leaving customers without power for an extended period. This is a challenging situation, as the weather conditions are making it difficult for City Power teams to access certain areas and complete repairs. The utility is working to restore power as quickly as possible, but the weather is a significant obstacle.
Hursthill and Rosebank Service Delivery Centers
The Hursthill Service Delivery Centre is managing one of the highest volumes of incidents, with 659 open calls and 365 logged within the past 24 hours. The centre has 51 plants currently out of service, making it a significant challenge to restore power to the affected areas. In Rosebank, City Power teams have made progress following a substation failure, with 94% of power supply restored to the majority of customers. However, Dimension Data and the surrounding areas remain affected by the Feeder Board 4/Bus Section outage.
Inner City and Flooding Complications
The Inner City Service Delivery Centre is addressing 405 open calls, with 266 of which have exceeded 24 hours. A flooded medium voltage chamber at the Central B substation has created unique challenges along Johannesburg CBD’s Albertina Sisulu and Eloff streets. City Power has isolated the flooded chamber to prevent further damage and is coordinating with Joburg Water for drainage assistance. The utility will conduct assessments once the water has been drained, and repairs can begin. This is a complex situation, as the flooding has caused significant damage to the electrical infrastructure.
Roodepoort and Multiple Infrastructure Challenges
The Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre is managing 493 open calls, with 363 exceeding the 24-hour mark. The area is experiencing multiple outages requiring complex interventions, including a fault between specific infrastructure points at the Robertville Substation. City Power has pinpointed the problem and is working to repair it, but the process is taking time. In addition, Weltevredenpark and Allen’s Nek face extended outages due to double cable faults, with six mini substations remaining off until the faults are located and repaired.
Progress in Other Service Areas
Despite the challenges, City Power has reported progress in other service areas. The Reuven Service Delivery Centre has 449 open calls, with 220 exceeding 24 hours, but cable fault repairs are ongoing at the Eikenhof Substation, with 88% of supply restored. The Alexandra Service Delivery Centre is handling 171 open calls, with 134 logged over 24 hours, but power supply has been restored to 83% of customers in certain areas. The Midrand Service Delivery Centre reported 113 open calls, with 68 from the past 24 hours, and the fault location has been successful at the Church Street Switching Station.
Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts
In conclusion, City Power is working tirelessly to restore power to affected areas across Johannesburg, despite the challenges posed by inclement weather and system constraints. The utility is urging customers to reduce their electricity consumption to prevent overload and is working to repair faults and restore power as quickly as possible. While progress has been reported in some areas, there is still much work to be done to fully restore power to all affected customers. City Power will continue to work around the clock to resolve the outages and ensure that customers have a reliable supply of electricity.