Update: Major Power Outage Hits Komani After Transformer Blows

Transformer Fault Causes Widespread Blackout

Large parts of Komani were plunged into darkness on Tuesday afternoon following a serious technical fault at the Coldstream substation, which resulted in a 66kV current transformer blowing on the white phase.

According to Mr Matola, the incident occurred around 17:47, affecting power supply across several suburbs and key institutions.

“At Coldstream substation, the 66kV current transformer on the white phase blew. Our team has been on site and is now organising spares. There is no estimated time for power restoration so far,” Matola confirmed.

Areas Affected

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality later issued an official statement confirming that the following areas are without power:

• Ezibeleni

• Queendustria

• Komani Hospital

• Laurie Dashwood Park

• Komani Park

• Queensview Park

• Sandringham

• Portion of New Rest

• Army Base

• Pick n Pay area

• Shell Garage and Sunshine Village

The outage has left both residential neighbourhoods and commercial zones without electricity, disrupting businesses, households, and essential services such as healthcare and retail.

Municipal Response and Restoration Efforts

Municipal teams were dispatched to the Coldstream substation immediately after the fault was detected. The municipality confirmed that a breaker trip on Line 2 occurred as a result of the transformer failure.

“A fault which caused the current transformer to blow near the Coldstream substation led to a breaker trip (Line 2). The municipal team has been dispatched to investigate. A temporary measure to energise is also being sought,” the municipality said in an evening update issued at 19:40.

At this stage, officials have not provided a realistic timeframe for restoration, as the team is still sourcing replacement parts and assessing the extent of the damage.

Residents Urged to Exercise Patience

Residents have been urged to keep appliances unplugged until supply is safely restored and to exercise caution when power returns to prevent potential surges.

The municipality assured the public that all available resources are being mobilised to restore supply as quickly as possible.

“There are no realistic time frames for restoring power supply at this stage. An update will be issued later,” the statement concluded.

Komani.co.za will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide verified updates as soon as new information becomes available.