Eskom is doing everything possible to keep the lights on

THE state-owned power utility, Eskom, is doing all in its power to keep the lights on this winter.

This is according to Eskom senior customer relations manager, Siphokazi Qasana, who spoke during an Eskom media briefing Last week Wednesday. He address the state of Ekurhuleni’s power.

Topics discussed included public safety awareness, electricity theft, illegal connections, power failures, load shedding and more sparing use of electricity.

She said Eskom was aware of, and particularly concerned, about power failures.

“Any disruption in our service remains our concern, hence we work around the clock in such instances to restore supply to our customers,” she said.

Qasana said the power utility had to resort to load reduction when its power grid was severely constrained. She said load shedding was only implemented when all other options had been exhausted.

“It is an effective way to avoid total collapse of the electricity supply grid,” Qasana said.

“Our customers will be provided with regular updates on the status of the power system. They will be notified should load shedding be implemented as per schedule.”

Electricity consumers are also asked to use electricity sparingly in order to prevent the implementation of load shedding.

Eskom Ekurhuleni zone manager, Mihla Khumalo, said despite the dangers and risks associated with cable theft, electricity theft and illegal connections, this criminal activity continuously caused power supply disruptions.

Although there are other factors to overloading and power outages, illegal connections and electricity theft remain the main contributing factors in different parts of Ekurhuleni.

This is why Eskom has, during the conference, asked residents to unite against electricity theft in whatever form it occurs. Though there is a common misconception that the bulk of electricity theft occurs in residential areas, predominantly townships and informal settlements, Khumalo pointed out that businesses and commercial sectors were responsible for the bulk of electricity theft on the East Rand.

Meter tampering and bypassing even happen at businesses.

“We will continue to ensure that connections are safe by removing any illegal connections, while simultaneously dealing with those who are stealing electricity,” he said.

“We call upon on residents to report electricity theft wherever it happens, so that appropriate action can be taken.”

During the conference, an initiative called Save a future Leader was unveiled. It is aimed at eradicating illegal connections by raising awareness and encouraging people to report Izinyoka (Zulu slang for electricity thieves).

Eskom representatives will visit schools, clinics, NGOs, communities and other centres to raise awareness on the issue of illegal connections.

Khumalo also raised the issue of money owed to Eskom by its customers, which form a large part of the electricity giant’s current financial challenges.

“In order for Eskom to function effectively and maintain its growth, the money invested in providing services to the customer needs to be recovered through the collection of revenue.

“This is why the Gauteng Operating Unit will deploy credit management strategies that include disconnections as a last resort to recover revenue owed to Eskom.”

Khumalo said Eskom had completed several projects aimed at improving its services. These include substation refurbishment and the replacement of breakers and old cables.

Residents may report cases of electricity theft and illegal connections to 086 003 7566.

Alternatively, send a tip-off to Crimeline, using the SMS service, 3221. Give as much information as possible in regard to the town, street name and house number, as well as whatever description might assist technicians when following up on the tip-offs.