Power surge leaves Randhart resident with thousands worth of damages
Andy du Plessis is yet to pay R7 500 for his insurance excess after claiming R150 000 for his damaged household appliances from his insurance.
A Randhart resident is faced with R150 000 worth of damages as a result of an electric surge.
Andy du Plessis is yet to pay R7 500 for his insurance excess after claiming R150 000 for his damaged household appliances from his insurance.
This follows an uncontrolled increase power surge in the electrical current that reportedly went on from May 13 to May 15 in the area. Not only was du Plessis hit hard by this, but a few other residents of Sparks Close were also adversely affected.
Du Plessis told the RECORD that during the power surge, the reading ranged from 148 to 410 volts. He said this was extremely high for a normal single phase voltage normally used in private residences.
“My neighbours also said they were experiencing the same thing. At first, I noticed that the kettle was struggling to boil and my lights kept dimming, which indicated to me that the power was lower than it should be. “Without realising that when the power would return to normal levels, there could be a surge that would cause damage to my appliances,” said du Plessis.
He said the power surge damaged his Geyserwise controller, ceramic hob, microwave, coffee machine, multimedia projector, gate motor, X-Box gaming console and audio mixing desk.
“I went to the City’s electricity department and they advised me to claim through my insurance because if I claimed from Council it was said to take a very long time. “There needs to be someone who will advise the residents as soon as these things occur to avoid facing such losses,” said du Plessis.
He advised the community to immediately switch off all their lights and appliances whenever they noticed changes on their power supply.
Ward 106 councillor Alderman Bruna Haipel said she was aware of the complaint and advised the community to report any power complaints to the City’s call centre.
“I am aware of the complaint and upon receiving it, I escalated it. When residents have a problem they should contact 0860 543 000. They should provide us with detailed information when calling us, such as their address and the issue at hand,” she said.
