Emfuleni warns of load shedding if 30 MVA transformer becomes overloaded

VANDERBIJLPARK - The Emfuleni Local Municipality has urged Vanderbijlpark residents to use electricity sparingly due to damages to a Town Substation. ELM said in a statement issued yesterday that this comes after it had to implement load shedding from the 2nd of May to protect the Bay 2 transformer from overloading and tripping. However, Emfuleni yesterday said the rotational load shedding affecting Bonnane, Bophelong, Stephanopark, CW areas and NW7 has now been lifted by themunicipality. This is possible because electricity technicians have been able to use the 30 MVA transformer to supply power to these areas, which in turn spares them from load shedding. Emfuleni says ideally it uses two transformers with a combined output of 50 MVA, which means the current transformer is operating over capacity. This could result in further damages to the aging Town Substation. ELM has started with repair work on the damaged 20 MVA transformer, but said that repair work can take weeks. Therefore residents are urged to switch off all non-essential lighting and heating appliances to ease the demand on the 30 MVA transformer until repairs are complete. Emfuleni said failure to do so will result in prolonged power interruptions or rotational load shedding.

PHOTOS: (Emfuleni Local Municipality)