Eskom demands 60% fine payment before replacing failed Kaalfontein transformer
Illegal connections and damaged infrastructure leave Kaalfontein Ext 4 residents without power as Eskom sets a 60% fine payment rule.
Residents of Knife Jaw Street, near the taxi rank in Kaalfontein Ext 4, have been without electricity for five months following a transformer failure.
Eskom spokesperson Innocentia Zabala confirmed that the transformer failed in May 2026 and an inspection verified the need for a replacement. “Failed or exploded transformers are due to network overloading caused by illegal connections, meter bypassing or tampering, unauthorised operations, and electricity token purchases from unregistered ‘ghost’ vendors,” Zabala said.
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However, the replacement is subject to a payment requirement involving customers found to have tampered with or bypassed their electricity meters. When asked why the replacement has taken five months, Zabala said affected residents were fined in line with Eskom’s standard credit management processes. “Customers should reach a 60% payment threshold of fines prior to the transformer replacement,” Zabala explained.
The condition comes as Ward 92 residents raise concerns about the prolonged outage and faulty meter boxes while calling for smart meters to be installed.
Zabala confirmed that Eskom is rolling out smart meters across Gauteng, including areas where the utility experiences energy losses due to unpaid electricity consumption. She said smart meters aim to prevent network overloading, reduce illegal connections, protect transformers from damage, and improve consumption measurement accuracy.
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According to Zabala, the technology will also help Eskom identify faults faster to normalise the electricity network and improve supply reliability. “Smart meters will be installed for customers supplied by transformer ENA31/4/3 prior to replacing the transformer,” Zabala said.
Zabala reiterated that the replacement will proceed only once the 60% payment threshold is met, adding that Eskom will continue engaging and educating customers on legal and safe electricity use.
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