City of Tshwane implements load rotation in parts of Soshanguve

JOHANNESBURG - Tshwane has implemented load rotation in parts of Soshanguve to reduce pressure on its power grid, caused by illegal connections and cable theft.

The city said a recent case of cable theft had added to the strain, forcing officials to introduce rotations from Friday, which are expected to continue until the end of next week.

City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the measures are necessary to protect infrastructure and avoid a total grid collapse.

"The continued pressure on the city's transformers and/or substations during peak hours in these areas has necessitated the implementation of load rotation to avoid a total collapse of the electricity grid in the mentioned areas.”

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Meanwhile, Tshwane residents affected by a power outage that began on Thursday can expect electricity to be restored on Sunday. 

City officials said the outage was caused by an act of vandalism at the Theresa Park Secondary substation. 

Several areas, including parts of Theresa Park, Dorandia, Heatherdale Winternest, were without power for days. 

Bokaba said the complexity of the repairs caused the delay, but most areas should be back online by the end of Sunday. 

"The team’s commitment to promptly restore power supply to the affected areas notwithstanding, the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repairs to be effected has resulted in a prolonged power supply interruption. This, regrettably, means it will take a few days before full restoration can be achieved."