City Power receives over 1,500 outage calls after heavy rains

City Power has reported receiving over 1,500 calls related to voltage outages across multiple substations in the Johannesburg metro. The outages have left thousands of customers in darkness, with nearly 2,000 queries logged as a result of recent inclement weather.

Areas Affected by the Outages

Several substations have been affected, including those serving Braamfontein, Central Johannesburg, Orchards, and Observatory. The heavy rains have complicated restoration efforts, delaying repairs and power restoration in several areas.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that teams are working tirelessly to restore power to all impacted areas. “Working with the flooded tunnels has been extremely challenging, as our teams are unable to carry out the necessary repairs under such conditions,” Mangena said.

Challenges Posed by Heavy Rains

The recent bout of heavy rain has made it difficult for technicians to test and repair affected substations. Flooded tunnels and waterlogged infrastructure have slowed progress significantly. In some cases, teams have been unable to access critical areas to perform necessary maintenance and repairs.

“We are now working on rerouting some of the cables in an effort to fast-track the restoration efforts in the area,” Mangena added.

Use of Alternative Restoration Methods

City Power is employing various alternative methods to expedite power restoration. One of these methods is backfeeding, a process that involves rerouting power from other functioning areas to supply electricity to those affected by outages.

This approach is expected to help bring power back to some areas more quickly while teams continue working on long-term repairs.

Customer Frustration and Communication Efforts

Many residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged power outages and delays in restoration. City Power has acknowledged these concerns and assured customers that they are doing everything possible to restore electricity as soon as conditions allow.

The utility has also been communicating with customers through its social media platforms, providing regular updates on the progress of repair efforts.

Looking Ahead: Measures to Prevent Future Outages

The recent weather-related outages have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Johannesburg’s aging power infrastructure. To address these issues, City Power is considering several long-term measures, including:

• Improved drainage systems: Enhancing drainage around substations and critical infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
• Upgrading equipment: Replacing outdated or damaged equipment to improve the overall reliability of the power grid.
• Enhanced maintenance schedules: Increasing the frequency of maintenance checks to identify and address potential issues before they lead to outages.

Advice for Affected Residents

City Power has advised residents in affected areas to switch off all electrical appliances during outages to prevent potential damage from power surges when electricity is restored. Customers are also encouraged to report any new outages or safety hazards, such as exposed cables or damaged infrastructure, to City Power’s call center or social media platforms.

Commitment to Restoration

Despite the challenges posed by the inclement weather, City Power remains committed to restoring power to all affected areas as quickly as possible. Technicians are working around the clock, using every available method to ensure customers are not left in the dark for longer than necessary.

As restoration efforts continue, residents are urged to remain patient and vigilant, particularly in flood-prone areas where conditions may remain hazardous.

In other news – Palesa Madisakwane reveals past struggles with ex-lover & baby daddy, Somizi Mhlongo

Actress Palesa Madisakwane recently made explosive allegations about her past relationship with media personality Somizi Mhlongo. Speaking on the Hell and Back podcast (part two), she opened up about enduring emotional abuse and the struggles she faced as a single mother raising their daughter, Bahumi.

Palesa revealed that during her pregnancy with Bahumi, Somizi pressured her to have an abortion. “I was told to abort. When the baby was born, he told me he doesn’t love the baby because he doesn’t love me,” she claimed on the podcast. Read More