Staff Reporter.
Eskom has restored bulk supply to the Free State area of Jagersfontein following the collapse of a dam wall at the weekend.
The mudslide had engulfed the power utility’s Rietkuil substation, which is a supply point of the area’s Centlec – the bulk electricity supplier.
“Eskom technicians worked around the clock to install and energise a replacement transformer at Badplaas substation in Jagersfontein after Rietkuil substation was destroyed on Sunday when mud burst through a broken wall of a nearby mining dam, flooding the area.
“Although we aimed to restore supply before midnight on Tuesday, minor complications delayed the process,” said Eskom.
The electricity supplier explained that although it remains responsible for most electricity supply in the area, customers receive their share of distribution through Centlec and not directly.
“Eskom delivers electricity in bulk to Centlec, who then distributes it to Jagersfontein and Charlesville. Electricity users who are still without supply should report it to their electricity provider,” the power utility said.