The City of Cape Town’s new R114 million industrial substation in Atlantis has recently been commissioned to provide additional electricity and reliable services for businesses and residents in the area.
The new substation, which was constructed over four years, more than doubles the existing capacity in Atlantis from 80 MVA (Mega Volt Amps) to 170 MVA. The capacity that has been created is roughly equivalent to lighting up more than 10 million light bulbs.
‘This new substation also provides a grid connection point for future independent power producers, which is in line with the City’s drive to diversify its energy mix to include renewable energy.
‘Importantly, this also shows our consumers where we spend the money that is received from electricity tariffs. About 25% of the income that we make from electricity tariffs goes toward the repair and maintenance of our electricity grid, which includes new substations, power lines and meters; while 10% goes toward the Rates account to help pay for shared services and vulnerable groupings. Lastly, some 65% is allocated to buy electricity from Eskom.
‘While on the one hand we must ensure that we save electricity as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, the City must also ensure that it is able to meet urban growth demand, especially in areas such as the expanding West Coast Corridor,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.
It is envisaged that this new substation will enable commercial and industrial developments in the area and it is essential for the establishment of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone. This is a special incentivised investment area established as a way to spur economic growth to enable job creation and enterprise development.
For more information on independent power producers, please visit www.capetown.gov.za or click on the following URL IPPs and renewables
For more information on saving electricity and the City’s Small-Scale Embedded Generation programme please visit www.SavingElectricity.org.za