City of Tshwane MMC for Utility Frans Boshielo photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Cllr Frans Boshielo
MMC for Utility Services
The City of Tshwane’s Energy and Electricity Business Unit is pleased to report significant progress in the restoration of the 132/11kV Olievenhoutbosch Substation.
Testing of Transformer R has now been successfully completed.
Following extensive and meticulous repair work, the transformer has passed all mandatory electrical tests confirming its readiness for the next phase of commissioning.
Installation and rerouting of new 11kV feeder cables is currently approximately 60% complete.
This work remains critical to restoring full functionality and ensuring network
stability. Oil circulation for both transformers will commence shortly.
Oil circulation on 20 MVA 132/11 kV transformer is essential to ensure safe and reliable operation as it preserves the dielectric strength of the oil, removes moisture and gases, and ensures
uniform insulation performance throughout the transformer.
Following repairs and prior to energisation, oil circulation allows the transformer to stabilise (“soak”), confirming the effectiveness of the cooling system and enabling accurate operation of protection devices.
Both transformers will be allowed at least 24-hour soaking period, after which both units will be energized.
Concurrently, final testing of the 11kV circuit breakers will be undertaken.
These final tests are among the most critical in the commissioning phase as they will confirm the ability of the transformers and the substation as a whole to withstand rigorous operational conditions and load demands.
The Energy and Electricity Business Unit remains committed to the safe, structured, and reliable restoration of electricity supply.
A further update will be issued before 16h00 tomorrow.
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