Tshwane Braces For 12 Hour Planned Power Outage As City Pushes Urgent Substation Repairs

Tshwane Set For 12 Hour Power Outage As Engineers Rush To Fix Ageing Infrastructure

Residents and businesses in parts of Tshwane are preparing for a long day without electricity this Sunday, after the City announced a 12-hour planned outage to carry out urgent maintenance at the Waltloo Substation. The work is scheduled for 8 March, running from 8am to 8pm, and affects the Waltloo Industrial Area, Nellmapius and the N4 Gateway.

For a city already grappling with load shedding and ageing infrastructure, planned outages have become part of the rhythm of living in Gauteng. But officials insist that this particular shutdown is necessary to prevent bigger problems down the line.

Why The City Needs A Full-Day Shutdown

According to the City of Tshwane’s Energy and Electricity Business Unit, technicians will be working on critical components at the Waltloo Substation, including the 132/11kV line and a 35MVA transformer. These are essential pieces of equipment responsible for carrying and distributing power into the affected areas.

The municipality says the maintenance is urgent and part of a broader push to stabilise the local grid. By tackling technical concerns now, engineers hope to reduce the chances of sudden breakdowns or longer unplanned outages in the future.

Upgrades To Replace Ageing Equipment

In addition to maintenance, the City is using the shutdown window to modernise key elements of the substation. One of the major tasks includes replacing an old wet-type 11kV cable box with a newer dry-type version that does not rely on insulating oil.

This upgrade is not only more environmentally friendly but also significantly safer. Dry-type units are easier to maintain, reduce fire risks and offer better long-term reliability. For communities that depend on uninterrupted power supply, these improvements matter.

A Step Toward Better Grid Reliability

The City emphasised that this outage is part of an ongoing programme to strengthen Tshwane’s electricity infrastructure. While a full-day shutdown can feel inconvenient, especially for businesses in busy industrial areas, officials expect the improvements to support a more stable system over the long term.

Tshwane’s power grid has faced pressure for years, particularly as rapid urban development outpaces infrastructure upgrades. Planned interventions like these are meant to address that growing gap.

Important Safety Reminder For Residents

During the outage, residents have been warned to treat all electrical points as live. Power can return unexpectedly, and careless contact with plugs or appliances may cause injuries or equipment damage.

The City is urging households and businesses to prepare ahead of time by charging essentials, securing backups for medical equipment, and ensuring generators or alternative systems are safely operated.

{Source:The South African}

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