A press release from Eskom stated that they have been experiencing an increase in the amount of equipment failure in Gauteng.
The primary reason is said to be illegal connections to the power grid, which leads to overloading and failure of transformers and sub-stations.
“This is exacerbated by meter tampering, electricity theft and vandalism of infrastructure,” the Eskom press release noted.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/368323/blown-transformer-causes-power-outage-in-parts-of-krugersdorp/
The release further stated that Eskom will not be restoring electricity in certain areas with repeated failures due to illegal connection, meter tampering and bypassing. Power will be restored to legal and paying customers in areas where Eskom staff will be allowed to enter safely and remove illegal connections.
“If we do not conduct the audits, we run the risk of continued failures without dealing with the root cause. In some areas, Eskom technicians have not been allowed to conduct these audits, which results in repeated failures of equipment making power restoration a wasteful exercise,” the press release noted.
Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, said, “Eskom will continue to engage with councillors in all affected areas to deal adequately with these issues. Furthermore, Eskom would like to affirm its commitment to collaborate and engage with various communities to find solutions so that we can resume our services.”
If anyone wishes to report an illegal connection, the Eskom CrimeLine can be contacted at 080 011 2722.
The News has attempted to make contact with the Mogale City Local Municipality regarding the current power outage in and around town, but is still awaiting feedback on the matter.
Ward councillor, Jade Miller, has commented in a post on Facebook that the power outage is due to a fault on Eskom’s side.
