Fire at Mahikeng substation causes extended power outage

What happened

A fire broke out at the Mahikeng substation in North West, South Africa, and badly burnt the medium voltage control room, where cables from the high voltage side connect to supply suburbs and villages. At the time of reporting, several areas had been without electricity for more than seven days. Eskom said it had sourced mobile switchgear to stand in for the structure destroyed by the fire and was working to connect it as a temporary measure.

The utility said the line to Leopard Park substation was not affected, so Leopard Park, the Crossing and some neighbouring areas would have electricity, and that some adjoining villages could be supplied from alternative sources. The cost of the damage had not been determined. Police and Eskom investigations were under way, and Eskom said it could not rule out human tampering.

Contributing factors

Eskom said human tampering could not be ruled out. The cause had not been confirmed, and further investigation was still to follow.

Lessons learned

1. Keep contingency plans, including mobile switchgear, so supply can be restored after damage to a substation control room.
2. Identify unaffected circuits and alternative feeds early, so some customers can be supplied while repairs continue.
3. Involve the police promptly where tampering at critical infrastructure cannot be ruled out, and tell customers if restoration slips.

Source

News24 (news24.com)