Glimmer of light as City Power and Gauteng government tackle loadshedding
City Power, the City of Johannesburg’s power utility, has joined forces with the Gauteng Provincial Government to mitigate loadshedding across the province.
City Power stands as the implementing agent of the Gauteng Energy Emergency Crisis Response Plan. The initiative stems from the inaugural Gauteng Energy Indaba held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand in August 2023.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised government’s commitment to bolster resources through City Power, allocating funds to restore damaged infrastructure and address energy challenges.
The budget for tackling these issues has seen a significant increase from R1.2 billion to nearly R2 billion. Thamsanqa Mathiso, City Power’s Group Executive for New Business Development, outlined six key programmes under this partnership.
These include the installation of transformers, smart meters, solar high mast lights, Rand Water loadshedding mitigation project, a micro-grid project, and an open-cycle gas turbine project.
The installation of transformers, smart meters, and solar high mast lights aim to shield the province from the adverse impacts of load shedding and energy shortages.
A total of 42 solar high mast lights have been installed, eight in Emfuleni Local Municipality, eight in Merafong Local Municipality, eight in Lesedi Local Municipality, eight in Mogale City Local Municipality and 10 on the West Rand, A total of 3 096 smart meters have been installed, 1061 in Emfuleni, 145 in Merafong, 930 in Lesedi, 800 on the West Rand and 160 in Mogale City.
Furthermore, a total of 60 transformers were installed, of which 19 in Emfuleni, 15 in Merafong, 14 in Lesedi, 10 on the West Rand and two in Mogale City. Mathiso says these initiatives not only benefit communities by improving energy infrastructure but also provide City Power with an additional income stream through management fees charged to the provincial government.
Recent progress includes the launch of new energy projects on Wednesday, 20 March 2024. The City in collaboration with Gauteng Provincial Government launched new energy projects and the City now boast a state-of-the-art substation in Fleurhof and a groundbreaking micro-grid project in Alexandra, a pioneering initiative for an informal settlement.
Executive Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, alongside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava, unveiled and activated the new Fleurhof Substation in Roodepoort and the Amarasta Micro-Grid Electrification project in Alexandra, respectively. Mathiso says the partnership are benefiting residents through ensuring constant water and energy supply due to the launch of the Fleurhof substation and micro -grid project.
Furthermore, it allowed City Power to finalise projects in record time.“The team remains excited for further collaboration and an ongoing partnership,” he adds.
