Zululand business chamber leads discussions on power issues

Power supply issues and the negative impact on the region’s business community were among the topics discussed at a recent engagement between Eskom KZN and the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI).

The meeting, which sought to improve relations between the two stakeholders, unpacked several issues, including illegal electricity connections, vandalism of infrastructure, and the current status of energy supply in the region.

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“Eskom gave a positive status update and encouraging news regarding plans to curb illegal connections and theft, which remain the biggest threats to sustainable energy supply,” said ZCCI manager Vanessa Ncobela.

The chamber commended the power utility for its ‘resilience amid challenges, particularly at the peak of load-shedding’.

The Eskom team was led by KZN senior manager of customer relations Dade Mbhele, who shared the power utility’s operational outlook and the shared responsibility in addressing the energy challenges affecting the region.

This comes amid a recent call for communities to protect transformers and avoid illegal connections to prevent power failures.

“While load-shedding remains suspended and electricity demand continues to rise during the winter period, Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft.

“These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network.

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors, and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage,” said Eskom.

“Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities.”

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