/ 16 May 2007

Eskom: Oil leakage caused Bedfordview power failures

The Bedfordview power failure was caused by an oil leakage in an oil-filled cable, Eskom said on Wednesday.

”The problem initially arose in February this year when the Bedfordview/Croydon 132kV oil-filled cable tripped due to oil leakage,” Eskom said in a statement.

It said before this fault could be located and repaired, the second cable tripped on Monday April 30, causing total power loss to the area.

Extensive repairs were required on the first feeder cable, and this work was completed over the weekend.

”Eskom would like to apologise to residents for the inconvenience during the power [failure]. We thank them for their understanding during this difficult period,” the company said. — Sapa