South Africa, Durban: eThekwini Municipality has officially energised its new KE Masinga substation, a major step in modernising the city’s electricity network and improving long-term supply stability. The facility is a 132 kV to 11 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) substation built at an estimated cost of $7 M (R120 M).
According to the Energy Management Directorate, the new installation forms part of a strategy to strengthen the municipal grid and gradually phase out ageing 33 kV infrastructure. The upgrade will replace supply from older substations such as City Central and Esplanade, with customers migrating to KE Masinga to ensure continued and reliable delivery of power.
Deputy Director for High Voltage Operations, Veer Ramnarain, described the energisation as a key milestone for the municipality. “KE Masinga is not just another substation, it is a forward-looking investment that supports our strategic plan to modernise the network, improve reliability, and phase out ageing infrastructure. This GIS technology enhances operational capability and positions the City to meet future load growth with confidence,” he said, acknowledging the multidisciplinary team behind the project.
With higher reliability and improved operational performance, the KE Masinga facility will also supply electricity to Durban Station and provide capacity for future economic activity in and around the city centre. The municipality says the upgraded infrastructure will support growth, improve service continuity and create a more resilient network to meet rising demand.
Source: Berea Mail
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