A NEW transformer being installed at the Hercules substation in Richards Bay is expected to be up and running by 7 March.

The 40 Mega Volt-Amp (MVA) transformer, which arrived last Wednesday, is one of three purchased by the uMhlathuze Municipality in September to address persistent power outages within the city in recent months.

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The substation supplying electricity to the Richards Bay CBD, Veldenvlei, Wildenweide and surrounding suburbs had been operating with a single transformer after its other two burst into flames in separate incidents over the last two years.

‘This is a big step towards averting the power problems in Richards Bay residential areas,’ said City Mayor Xolani Ngwezi.

‘The new transformers will bring stability to the power supply for citizens and businesses who have been affected by the outages.

‘We are pushing hard for the delivery of the two remaining transformers and are hopeful they will be in our substations by May.’

One of these transformers will also be installed at Hercules, while the other has been earmarked for the Polaris substation.

Mayor Ngwezi has instructed the electricity team to look into a mobile power transformer that will be on standby for any challenges around the city.

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