 | Drakenstein Municipality upgrades substation to strengthen energy security and supply
07 April 2026 | Press Releases |
7 April 2026
Drakenstein Municipality is committed to delivering a reliable electricity supply through a sustainable electrical network with sufficient spare capacity amid rapid economic development.
A major milestone is the expansion and upgrading of the Dalweiding 66/11kV substation in Paarl, which started in 2018. It is expected to be completed by the end of June this year.
The upgrade is part of the Municipality's R175 million investment to strengthen energy security and electricity supply to the Vlakkeland housing development and other growing areas, providing 2 884 new service connections once completed.
Residents in Paarl North, Mbekweni, Daljosaphat and Vlakkeland have recently experienced power outages that have taken longer to resolve than they are accustomed to as Drakenstein Municipality is known for its swift and efficient response to service interruptions.
“Due to the temporary operational constraints created by the ongoing upgrade project, these high service standards cannot always be met at present," explains Louis Pienaar, Executive Director: Engineering Services at Drakenstein Municipality.
The Municipality thanks residents for their patience and understanding as work continues to build a stronger, more resilient electricity system.
Caption: The expanded 11kV switching station at Drakenstein Municipality's Dalweiding substation in Paarl.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
For media enquiries, contact: Riana Geldenhuys, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 6390, 082 460 5554 or rianag@drakenstein.gov.za.
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality encompasses Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda, Hermon, Saron and Simondium. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands and is home to 311 601 residents. Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities - recognised specifically for its good governance and service excellence. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 11 clean audits.
Visit our website at www.drakenstein.gov.za or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
