{
  "id": 19527127,
  "title": "Mayfair Substation to be upgraded in the next three years: City Power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/mayfair-substation-to-be-upgraded-in-the-next-three-years-city-power",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T17:17:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/mayfair-substation-to-be-upgraded-in-the-next-three-years-city-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "City Power has announced plans to upgrade the Mayfair Substation within a three-year timeframe, following a series of recent power outages in the area. The substation, which provides electricity to several suburbs including Auckland Park, Mayfair, Crosby, and surrounding regions, experienced two explosions this week. Initially, the issue began as a minor power interruption but quickly escalated into a broader disruption for residents and businesses in the affected areas.\n\nThe absence of electricity had far-reaching consequences, impacting water availability, daily operations, and essential services. For the local community, the outage meant more than just darkness; it led to challenges in carrying out routine activities and accessing basic services. Mohammed Patel, a resident, expressed frustration over the lengthy response times when attempting to contact City Power and the councillor, stating, \"When we are trying to call City Power, it is always busy. And when we try to call the councillor, they say we are busy on it, we are trying our level best. This and that…but normally, it should not be taking this long. Now they say it’s 14 to 15 days. How are we going to survive without electricity for 14 to 15 days?\"\n\nThe disruptions were also felt within the healthcare sector, as Netcare Milpark and Garden City hospitals, both located in the affected region, reported minor issues. Additionally, the public broadcaster faced difficulties in fulfilling its mandate due to the power outage, underscoring the significant impact that such disruptions can have on critical public service providers. While immediate restoration of power is the priority, the long-term solution will likely involve a substantial upgrade of the Mayfair Substation, which is noted to be the oldest of its kind in Johannesburg and has seen significant deterioration over its 60 years of operation. Restoration of power in the area is expected to resume throughout the evening.",
  "summary": "City Power says the Mayfair Substation will be upgraded within the next three years.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}