The City of Tshwane has reached a significant milestone in its Electricity Stabilisation Plan following the completion of the installation of a new 40 MVA transformer at the Mamelodi 2 Substation.
The new transformer replaces the existing 20 MVA unit and forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise its electricity network, increase capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply to Mamelodi and surrounding areas.
The municipality said the Electricity Stabilisation Plan is focused on addressing capacity constraints, strengthening critical infrastructure and improving the resilience of the electricity network.
The project involved extensive technical modifications, including upgrades to protection grading, feeder panels and associated equipment.
“As part of the project, the City also procured a new, specially manufactured Neutral Earthing Compensator (NEC), which is required for the safe and effective operation of the upgraded system,” said Utility Services MMC Frans Boshielo.
Boshielo said safety and other compliance tests had been successfully completed.
“Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of the NEC was successfully completed last week, with delivery expected this week. The City’s technical team is currently attending to the final stages of commissioning in preparation for placing the transformer into service,” he said.
He added that safety remained the City’s priority during the commissioning process, warning that adverse weather conditions, particularly rainfall, could affect the timing of hot commissioning and final testing.
“These activities cannot safely be undertaken during wet weather,” Boshielo said.
He said the project remained a priority and that the technical team was working to complete the outstanding commissioning activities safely and efficiently.
Boshielo said the transformer installation formed part of a broader investment programme aimed at rehabilitating ageing electricity infrastructure across Tshwane.
“The new 40 MVA transformer will be placed into service as soon as all technical and safety requirements have been successfully concluded. It forms part of the City’s broader programme of targeted infrastructure investments aimed at improving network resilience and reducing the impact of capacity constraints on residents,” he said.