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Update: Significant Disruptions To Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Electricity Network

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s electricity network is facing significant disruptions due to the collapse of four 132 kV overhead transmission towers. These towers, form part of the network from Chelsea Substation, supply power to Arlington Substation and Summerstrand Substation through shared double-circuit steel lattice structures.

On 21 August 2024, gale-force winds led to the collapse of these structures, which had already been compromised by rust and were scheduled for reconstruction within this financial year.

The wards affected include wards 1, 2, 3, & 4 and the areas directly affected by the power outages include: Summerstrand, EP Command, Forest Hill, Humewood, South End, Arlington, Lovemore Park, Miramar, Pari Park, Providentia, Schoenmakerskop, Walmer, Walmer Location, Walmer Industrial and other surrounding areas.

Related: Post Your Offers of Assistance During This Power Cut HERE

CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT

The primary cause of the incident was the gale-force winds experienced on 21 August 2024, which led to the collapse of four double-circuit steel lattice structures. However, it is important to note that these structures were already identified as vulnerable due to significant rust damage, and corrosion, likely accelerated by their proximity to the sea and exposure to corrosive salt air. These sections have been marked as critical for reconstruction in the 2024/2025 financial year.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The electrical emergency response for the NMBM’s Electricity and Energy Directorate was activated, with the following response measures:

  1. Prioritise the Restoration of the Airport, Southend Fire station and Humewood Police station (the restoration of the airport, Humewood police station, Southend fire station was concluded on 23 August 2024, through an alternative supply source.)
  2. Transformer Relocation and Area Restoration: A 10MVA transformer is being relocated from Kwaford Substation to South End substation to restore a significant portion of the affected areas. The target date for completing this relocation is 27 August 2024. The load initially connected to Kwaford Substation has been transferred to Matomela Substation. This transfer will allow the transformer to be disconnected from Kwaford Substation on 24 August 2024. After the transformer is connected at South End substation, a load-reduction schedule will be implemented to ensure that all customers have a power supply and to prevent the transformer from being overloaded.

MITIGATION MEASURES

In response to this crisis incident, the Municipality has put several mitigation measures in place to minimise the impact and expedite the restoration of power to affected areas.

  1. Emergency Construction Contractors: Construction contractors have been appointed on an emergency basis, and are currently on site, to begin building a temporary alternative overhead line to restore power supply as quickly as possible.
  2. Support from Eskom Distributions: Eskom Distributions is currently on site providing additional resources to assist in the repair efforts, and enhancing the capacity to manage this emergency effectively.
  3. NMBM Overhead Construction Team: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s overhead construction team has added more resources to commence assessments and initiate immediate repairs.
  4. Assessment and Material Procurement: The initial assessment of the damage was completed by 23 August 2024, and materials have been ordered on an emergency basis to expedite the construction process.
  5. Site Preparation: Site clearing has commenced, and preparations for erecting temporary wooden structures, such as opening holes, are underway. Due to the complexity of the highvoltage construction work, it is expected to take up to two weeks to construct the temporary supply.
  6. Generators as Alternative Supply: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has commenced with an emergency procurement process for generators, to assist with providing an alternative power supply in the interim. This measure aims to alleviate the impact of the outages on affected areas and ensure that essential services can continue operating while repairs are underway.

We apologise for the significant inconvenience the incident is causing all residents and stakeholders. We plead for calm and understanding, whilst we continue to work around the clock to restore power supply in all affected.

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NMB Communications

Media Communications at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department is responsible for communicating pertinent Municipal news from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Municipality Contact Details. See more articles by NMB Communication's.