Residents urged to report all illegal power connections in Diepsloot area

Eskom embarked on an operation to cut all illegal electricity connections in Diepsloot on 29 September.

This was done in an effort to address the increasing risks associated with repeated equipment failure and network overloading that causes transformer and mini substation explosions in high density areas. The power utility’s technicians, who were accompanied by the police and Metro police, dismantled an illegal power substation and disconnected illegal network connections in Ext 13 informal settlement.

Eskom spokesperson in Gauteng, Reneiloe Semenya, said the utility had lost millions of rands replacing and repairing damaged infrastructure as a result of illegal connections in different areas. “Eskom is conducting proactive audits in various areas which include the removal of illegal connections and tampered meters, and ensuring that our networks are safe for operations. “We further wish to curb vandalism to the infrastructure in identified hotspot areas,” she added.

“All these measures are meant to protect network equipment which costs millions of rands to replace, all because of overloading which leads to prolonged power outages. In areas where customers are using electricity unlawfully, they also tend to use energy indiscriminately, and Eskom in turn, is incurring massive energy and revenue losses.”

Senior maintenance and operations manager for Gauteng Operating Unit, Motlhabane Ramashi, said the power utility was committed to improving its operations and optimising plant performance through maintenance “Eskom has regrettably seen a significant rise in public safety incidents in the province. It is our commitment to contain and ultimately eliminate public safety incidents that result from illegal activities and cause damage to properties, injuries and at worst, fatalities,” Ramashi concluded.

Semenya urged residents to report any illegal connections, illegal operations or any unsafe activities to the utility on 0800 11 27 22.