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Grid infrastructureSouth AfricaEIR-0975

Lightning strike causes fire at Balfour substation

2019Published 17 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantElectricalProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hiddenFailed part hidden
Where
Distribution substation in Balfour, Mpumalanga
Operator
Eskom
What
Substation caught fire after lightning strike
Cause
Lightning strike triggered system error
Outcome
Supply to more than 5,000 customers affected

What happened

A substation in Balfour, Mpumalanga, containing three transformers caught fire after being struck by lightning. Two transformers were shut down for protection but may have been affected. The incident disrupted electricity supply to Dipaleseng Municipality and more than 5,000 customers. Technicians were to assess the damage to determine restoration times.

Contributing factors

Lightning strike and an error in the system.

Lessons learned

  1. Ensure lightning protection systems are regularly tested and maintained at substations.
  2. Review automatic protection settings to minimise unnecessary shutdowns during storms.
  3. Prepare contingency plans for rapid assessment and restoration after weather-related faults.

More lessons on weather and external hazards, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Confirmed root cause
  • Extent of damage to transformers
  • Restoration period
  • Value of the damage

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

ofm.co.za

Published 2026-09-17. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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Chart to reuse with this story: Grid infrastructure incidents in South Africa, by year, free with a credit (PNG).

Grid infrastructure incidents in South Africa: 157 entries, with a free alert for the next one.

Substation and transformer fires: the counts, the latest entries and a free alert for the next one. Also: lightning strikes on energy assets.

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