Residents of Ennerdale and Lenasia South could soon see improvements to their electricity supply following City Power’s announcement of a R139.2 million infrastructure investment programme aimed at addressing ageing substations, recurring power outages and network failures.
The announcement follows City Power’s eighth Regional Electricity Imbizo, held in Ennerdale on Wednesday, 21 October, where Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero reaffirmed the City’s commitment to improving electricity reliability across the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre.
Speaking directly to Globe Post, Ward 120 Councillor Puseletso Ndzimande welcomed the anticipated improvements to Lunar Substation, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen electricity capacity in Lenasia South. “I’m happy our Lunar substation is going to be upgraded to minimize ongoing of outages. Lunar substation is a main substation that is supplying LSS we need to beefup capacity,” Puseletso told Globe Post.
Recurring outages continue to frustrate residents
Electricity interruptions remain a major concern across Ennerdale and surrounding communities. According to electricity-tracking platform OurPower, Ennerdale Extension recorded 10 reported electricity outages during its published 90-day reporting period, with five linked to Ennerdale Substation. Separate records for Ennerdale Extensions 5 and 6 identified 17 incidents, although the reporting areas and periods may overlap.
Cable faults, equipment failures, vandalism and theft have contributed to repeated disruptions. On 16 October, parts of Ennerdale experienced another electricity interruption following a cable fault at Ennerdale Substation, requiring specialist repairs. Lunar Substation has also experienced recurring problems, including cable theft and overloading, further highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements.
Millions allocated to electricity infrastructure
City Power’s investment programme includes R45 million for Hopefield Substation, R4.5 million for Lenasia South Substation, R4 million for high-voltage circuit breakers at Ennerdale Substation and R15 million for upgrades at Trade Route Substation. An additional R21.97 million will support network monitoring and communication improvements, while R7.5 million has been allocated to security upgrades at Ennerdale Substation.
The programme also includes R35 million to restore distribution infrastructure currently out of service. City Power reported 76 infrastructure-related crime incidents across the Lenasia service area during the 2025/26 financial year, including 55 cable theft incidents, nine attempted thefts and 12 vandalism incidents.
Residents hope for lasting solutions
Mayor Morero emphasised that the investment would strengthen network capacity, restore damaged equipment and improve electricity reliability. Projects are scheduled for completion in phases between June 2027 and December 2029.
While Councillor Puseletso welcomed the anticipated Lunar Substation upgrade, City Power’s published investment breakdown does not separately specify its budget or implementation timeline.
For residents who have endured repeated power interruptions, the announcement offers renewed hope that long-standing electricity challenges will finally receive lasting solutions.
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