Freezing weather pushes Joburg power network to breaking point

Heavy snowfall and freezing weather have strained Johannesburg's power network to its limits, resulting in nearly 3,700 power outages reported across the city on Monday morning. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that technical teams are operating around the clock, but the backlog of repairs remains excessively high due to continuous fault reports.

The restoration efforts were hampered by hazardous conditions, including the excavation of underground cables, which caused additional strain on the network and required increased power consumption, according to Mangena. City Power has instructed residents to minimize electricity usage, especially during peak hours, to alleviate pressure on the system.

The outages have also impacted water supply, with the Crosby pump station's pumps rendered inoperable, affecting the Hursthill and Brixton reservoirs.

Experts argue that this incident highlights the urgent need for proper maintenance and investment in the city's electricity infrastructure. Julia Fish, director of JoburgCAN, emphasized that illegal connections, meter bypassing, unplanned developments, and infrastructure operating beyond its capacity have compounded the problem.

City Power's capital expenditure budget appears robust, but Fish lamented the severe constraints on its operations budget, which hampers security, maintenance, and supply chain management. Fish also criticized the city's historical practice of "sweeping accounts," where funds from utilities are not necessarily returned, further weakening City Power's operational stability.

This, coupled with rising electricity costs and unreliable supply, has driven some residents towards dangerous alternatives.

Moshe Koma, the MMC for public safety in the City of Joburg, urged residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the extreme weather. He advised motorists to reduce speed, increase following distances, and exercise caution on wet, slippery, or icy roads. Residents were also encouraged to secure loose objects around their homes and businesses that could be affected by winds or inclement weather.

The cold, heavy rain, and disruptive snow are expected to clear by Friday. South African History Online reported that the coldest day in Pretoria in recent history was on June 12, 1963, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -3.6°C and a maximum of 7.5°C, while the lowest night-time minimum temperature in Joburg was recorded at -8.2°C on June 13, 1979.

The South African Weather Service senior forecaster Tokelo Chiloane predicted that conditions would be cloudy, windy, and cold with isolated showers and rain on Wednesday, transitioning to partly cloudy and cold to cool with isolated showers and rain in the extreme east by Thursday and Friday. Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa chief economist Wandile Sihlobo expressed concern over the adverse weather's impact on livestock.