[2] The Graaff Electric Lighting Works power plant was commissioned by the Cape Town City Council in April 1895 after the completion of the Molteno Reservoir that was constructed to help supply potable water to the rapidly growing city.

Demand for electricity was driven by the need for street lights to help reduce crime in the city.

Water to power the generators was supplied from the Woodhead Reservoir on Table Mountain.

[1] The plant powered 775 public street lights throughout the city of Cape Town.

The power plant building still stands at the west of the Molteno Dam and is a registered national monument.