Medium Voltage (MV) electricity infrastructure refers to the systems that distribute power from substations to large residential, commercial and industrial areas. These networks play a critical role in the electricity distribution chain and are crucial in ensuring grid stability and reliable electricity supply to residents and businesses.

‘We are executing our city-wide MV maintenance and upgrade programme, reflecting our ongoing commitment to a reliable electricity grid and we will continue to invest in our infrastructure. The City has undertaken MV work to the value of R1,3 million in Maitland so far, in this financial year alone. These investments have immediately improved the quality of electricity supply in the area and help us prevent unplanned outages. This work forms part of our broader three-year R4 billion grid infrastructure upgrades as our teams intensify their efforts to accelerate work in Maitland and across all areas of the metro. 

‘While our Energy Safety Team and City Law Enforcement continue to be visible in all hotspot areas, we call on residents to stand with us against vandalism, theft and illegal connections. In addition, the City is exploring high-tech anti-theft and vandalism solutions as the scale of the destruction on our assets cost the City over R62 million in the last financial year. Often the damage is so extensive that entire pieces of infrastructure and even neighbourhood grids must be replaced, which takes time and resources as well as inconveniencing communities and businesses. 

‘Our sustained investment in High Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Mast and community streetlighting infrastructure extends the life of our critical assets. More importantly, it guarantees that our residents continue to receive reliable electricity services,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

Protect Your Power Campaign to tackle R62 million vandalism, theft crisis

The City has spent approximately R62 million in the past financial year on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacement.

Protect Your Power is a first-of-a-kind campaign, which highlights the massive impact of vandalism, theft, and illegal connections that leave our communities, neighbourhoods, and roadways in the dark. The City is calling on all residents to help us Protect Your Power and build safer, brighter communities by reporting any suspicious activity anonymously to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC).

Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power

Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s PECC: 021 480 7700

The SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention.