City Power disconnects illegal connections in Princess
Aluminium cables with an estimated value of R200k were disconnected.
City Power, in collaboration with law enforcements agencies, conducted another major operation at the notorious Princess informal settlement to disconnect illegal electricity connections.
The operation on May 9 resulted in the recovery of 8 000kg of aluminium wire cables with an estimated value of R200 000.
According to a statement sent to the Roodepoort Record, the cables were illegally connected to a mini substation located at the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm on Albertina Sisulu Road. They were also hung on trees and ran underground to feed various houses in the area.
Also read: WATCH: City Power cracks down on electricity theft
“The operation formed part of City Power’s ongoing efforts to reduce strain from the network and protect essential infrastructure to safeguard the grid,” said CEO of City Power Tshifularo Mashava, adding that this programme will be intensified during this winter.
“Electricity theft remains one of the biggest challenges we face. These illegal connections are not only life-threatening, but also costly, and contribute to frequent power outages.”
“We will be escalating efforts to cut illegal connections, not only to protect our infrastructure but to ensure that revenue, which is essential for the upkeep and maintenance of our infrastructure, is not lost. The pressure from illegal usage leads to transformer failure and large-scale outages, affecting paying customers and critical infrastructure,” said Mashava.
The operation involved over 200 personnel from City Power, JMPD, police, and other stakeholders.
Residents are urged to report illegal connections and suspicious activities to City Power’s hotlines on 0800 002 587 or 0800 116 166 and community co-operation with law enforcement and City Power officials is encouraged to ensure a reliable power supply.
