Eskom is aware of the power interruptions in Dipaleseng Local Municipality since 18 August 2024. These interruptions are due to a failure of a dedicated power transformer that supplies the municipal networks which in turn supplies Balfour Town. Eskom is actively engaging with the Municipality to resolve this issue. At this stage, the estimated time for restoration is not available.
Several faults originating from the municipal network have compromised the safe and continuous supply of electricity. Preliminary indications suggest that the current transformer failure resulted from faults passing through the municipal network, although this is still under investigation by Eskom.
Historical and current challenges
Eskom has experienced the failure of power transformers supplying Dipaleseng Local Municipality in the last 6 years as follows:
• 5MVA on 22 December 2019
• 5MVA on 03 February 2022
• 5MVA on 10 February 2022
• 10MVA on 14 July 2023
• 5MVA on 18 August 2024 (current)
These failures have imposed a significant financial burden on Eskom, with each transformer replacement costing approximately R9 million.
The power transformers are dedicated to supplying municipal networks. It is the Municipality’s responsibility to ensure their networks are free from faults that could damage these transformers by installing adequate protection infrastructure.
Despite ongoing engagements with the Municipality, its infrastructure to protect these transformer assets has remained inadequate.
Next Steps
To restore supply, the Municipality must conduct an audit to identify the root causes of faults within its network. Once the assessment and repairs are completed, the damaged equipment will be replaced based on the availability of necessary resources. The assessments may include auditing its networks for illegal connections and meter bypasses.
Eskom remains committed to working with the Dipaleseng Municipality to ensure continuous supply of electricity. However, it is expected that the Municipality also plays its part to ensure that the replacement will be sustained over the reasonable lifespan of these transformers, which is in excess of 25 years. Eskom will continue to assist the Municipality as a critical stakeholder to serve the residents of Balfour Town.