Drakenstein Municipality Digital Transformation: ETAP ADMS for Efficient Electrical Network

This case study discusses the process of deployment of the ETAP Unified Electrical Platform in Drakenstein Municipality, based on a Real-time eSCADA solution, by Altek OEM company. Our vision is to embark on a digital journey by taking a phased approach so that we can create visibility of the electrical network, improve network efficiencies, and reduce downtime, time of outages, and inadvertent tripping.
by Mr. Shaun Naicker Operations Director, Altek Solutions

Initially, the electrical distribution network serving 50000 was managed using outdated methods. To enhance and automate their processes, Drakenstein Municipality partnered with Altek. Together, they selected an ETAP solution to meet their needs and expectations. The primary products are based on a real-time eSCADA solution with a strongly used mobile etapAPP to capture site information. This deployment has resulted in high-quality electrical network management and numerous other benefits.

Drakenstein Municipality is a local municipality within the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The Drakenstein Electro—Technical Services Division is responsible for supplying electricity to the Paarl, Wellington, Simondium, and Klapmuts areas. There are an estimated 51,000 electricity consumers within the Drakenstein area. The Drakenstein Municipal Notified Demand with ESKOM amounts to 175 MVA per month.
Altek Company is a premier system integrator and a leading multidisciplinary engineering firm. It specializes in delivering comprehensive engineering intelligence and data management solutions from start to finish.

Location: Meyersdal, Alberton, RPA

Year: 2025

Real-time model of electrical network

Challenges

  • Identify a capable partner who offers continuity solutions from modeling to managing big electrical networks.
  • Integrate and visualize substations, grids, and all assets in the digital model, with all actual electrical data.
  • Integrate a remote control of operations, and security protections, to achieve real-time electric power monitoring, on the base computer screen.
  • Software systems should be understandable for service, open, flexible, and should evolve continuously, step by step. Digital journey training for staff should be made to avoid errors.
  • Generally, featured Real-time electric power monitoring should reduce the cost of maintenance and optimize operations, enhance visualization, and improve facility management within all electrical networks. 

Which solutions do they choose?

Selected applications

They selected ETAP, recommended by Altek Company, for a comprehensive turnkey Real-Time Advanced Distribution Management System with eSCADA, GIS, mobile etapAPP, and Outage Management System. Operator Training Simulator was chosen to keep a high level of service.

The primary solution is the eSCADA software, which facilitates network monitoring and operation with grid visualization on computers, tablets and mobiles.

Why do they use Etap?

Main Customer Benefits

  • A robust digital twin model of the network with integration of the old and new facilities and technologies.
  • Real-time power monitoring and visibility of electrical networks based on digital modeling.
  • Load Flow, Short Circuit Analysis, Protection, and Coordination studies accessibility according to actual electrical information from the network.
  • A flexible and modular system that continuously evolves while maintaining high efficiency, efficacy, and usability. 
  • Saving money and time by reducing visits and maintenance in the farthest locations. 

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

We were able to create what-if scenarios and simulate them to see what effect it would have on the network and whether we could apply those changes or not. So, one of the interfaces that were created for us was the ETAP Real-Time interface which allowed us to look at our power flows, real time power flows throughout the network.
by Mr. Shaun Naicker Operations Director, Altek Solutions

We, [thanks to ETAP], also have our web interface, and a smartphone view. This allows any of our operators or engineers to easily access our network, check for issues, and quickly identify and notify the relevant team to resolve any problems.
by Mr. Shaun Naicker Operations Director, Altek Solutions



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Electrical Power System Analysis