Mooikloof Substation Set for Attention Following Ratepayers’ Legal Action Threat

Tshwane Municipality is launching a project to restore the Mooikloof substation to its original capacity, aiming to alleviate the strain on the struggling substation that has led to prolonged power outages in parts of Pretoria East.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo stated that the municipality’s plan involves redistributing some of the load from the Mooikloof substation to the Wingate substation in the eastern region of Pretoria.

The Mooikloof substation has been a cause of frustration for ratepayers in areas such as Elarduspark, Moreleta Park, Wingate Park, Mooikloof, and others. Residents have faced frequent power outages and trips, prompting some to consider legal action against the municipality.

While some of these issues are due to technical challenges rather than load-shedding, the persistent problems have sparked demands for rerouting to a more functional substation.

The metro confirmed receiving legal notices from affected residents and emphasised that it addresses issues incrementally as they arise.

Mashigo clarified that shifting all Mooikloof-supplied residents to another substation is not technically feasible due to the substation’s designated supply area.

Tshwane has appointed a contractor to rehabilitate parts of the Mooikloof substation to address past fire damage.

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Moreover, the metro will conduct a load flow study to assess whether the current electrical network capacity can still adequately cater to the expanded area supplied by the substation due to local economic growth and property development.

Mooikloof has been a source of complaints for years, plunging residents into extended darkness outside of scheduled load-shedding. This lack of power has led to wastage of food and other challenges.

Residents, represented by law firm Elso Viljoen & Associates, have raised concerns with the municipality, demanding improved services or a move to the Wingate substation.

While issues at the Mooikloof substation have persisted, some residents have been particularly affected, including those with medical needs reliant on electricity, such as children using nebulisers or requiring refrigerated medication.

Amid growing frustrations, residents call for upgrades to the substation’s capacity or a transition to the more reliable Wingate substation. The ongoing issues have placed significant financial burdens on affected residents, impacting daily life and necessitating costly workarounds.

Among the affected residents, Carien Grobler of Moreleta Park emphasised that the challenges with the Mooikloof substation have endured since 2018, impacting finances and quality of life.

Source: Mooikloof substation to receive attention after ratepayers threaten legal action

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Picture: Facebook / Malcolm Ian De Klerk

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