Johannesburg utility City Power opened the 88/11 kV Eldorado Park substation on September 3. The new substation, which has been eagerly awaited by the communities since 2015, has four 45 MVA transformers, including a spare in case of breakdowns.

The substation, which replaces the old explosion- and fire-prone substation, incorporates modern electricity management systems, including continuous and remote monitoring, and safe switching for high-voltage equipment.

The new substation is linked to the master control room at City Power's head office in Reuven from where it is monitored 24/7/365.

Any technical abnormalities can be detected and addressed almost immediately, thereby preventing catastrophic damage.

The substation is equipped with 24-hour closed-circuit television monitoring inside and outside, and has security guards on constant patrol, all of whom are linked to the main security room in Reuven, City Power said.

City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero officially opened the substation on September 3.

“The community has waited a long time for this substation to operate and supply Eldorado Park, Bushkoppies, Freedom Park, Kliptown, businesses like Coca-Cola, and the Goudkoppies water treatment plant with electricity.

“A consistent supply of electricity means businesses can operate without losses, residents can go about their lives, and religious and educational institutions can function properly,” he said.

The old substation operated on a single 45 MVA transformer, and breakdowns often left residents without power for up to two days. Replacing the old substation had become essential owing to its frequent malfunctions and outdated equipment.

“The old station was highly faulty, costly to maintain and difficult to integrate with other equipment,” said City Power project manager Thami Mthembu.

The project helped to alleviate pressure on the Nancefield substation, and also provided an avenue for back-feeding purposes that ensured outage duration was shortened, he explained.

The construction of the substation benefited several small businesses in the area, and also saw skills transferred to local artisans, he added.