GEORGE NEWS - Members of the public have noted that after load shedding some streetlights remain on in George. 

The streetlights are switched on and off via a Relay Automated System which is located in the central control room at George Municipality. 

This equipment has started taking strain with the persistent on and off load shedding and the Electrotechnical Department is putting in additional processes to try and ensure that streetlights are switched off. 

It must also be noted that during load shedding the repeated theft of cables affects the signalling at the Control Centre.

Around 3 000 streetlights have also been fitted with LED which use less energy, require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent and other light types.

The Municipality appreciate the public taking the time to phone in and say they should note that streetlights remain ON between 09:00 and 17:00, and remain OFF between 19:00 and 06:00.

Repairs on streetlights

It is important to note that in order to affect repairs on streetlights they need to be switched on so that the teams can see which ones are not burning and it sometimes happens that the automatic switchover function (that switches the lights off in the day) is not reactivated when the work is finished.

One electrical box usually serves a few streets, so while you may not see people working, they may just be where you cannot see them. 

However, teams would seldom work for more than a day in an area, except when a project is being rolled out or several lights are being installed or fixed. 

In general, if streetlights are burning during the day for more than a one-day cycle, please report it during office hours to 044 801 9222 or 044 874 3917 so that the department can go investigate.

The community are welcome to phone in to report streetlights that are on during the day to 044 801 9222 or 044 801 9202 or on the WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (Available Monday to Friday 07:45 – 16:30).

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