On the 2nd of October 2023, I published an article with the heading “Phase Imbalance in Distribution Networks” in which I stated that “In a recent unrelated “survey”, I came across a 10-minute averaged voltage unbalance of 327% between Phase 2 and Phase 1”. I also asked the question: is Eskom aware what is happening on the Distribution and Reticulation Networks? I also stated that, since the medium-voltage supply comes directly from an Eskom substation which is probably about 20-metres away, one wonders what is going on at the Eskom substation since it is highly unlikely that the voltage unbalance is as a result faulty equipment at the municipal substation. It is as if one phase is completely missing. The same “missing” phase also show an abnormal high current. The neutral current which is supposed to be at or close to zero is also very high.
In a recent webinar, I posted a question about power quality disturbances. I was then told about the large number of Quality of Supply Instrument that Eskom have installed, assuming that it is regularly maintained and monitored so that poor power quality issues will be detected almost immediately, and action taken to rectify whatever may be causing the issue or issues.
Last week, I reached out to someone at Eskom I believe may be able to help me to have this situation investigated or refer me to someone who can assist me, but that email remained unanswered and the email I sent this morning, “was deleted without being read”. This person’s name appears to be involved in this type of work on the behalf of Eskom, and that is why I reached out to him. So, my question now is: do Eskom or any of the Power Distributors care about Poor Quality of Supply?