Illegal electricity connections targeted in Mzingazi

As part of Eskom’s ongoing campaign to tackle illegal connections in several communities, a team visited Mzingazi this past week.

Eskom technicians inspected the electricity infrastructure and removed multiple illegal connections, as well as replaced faulty meters with smart prepaid meters.

“This initiative, in collaboration with local leadership, aims to curb illegal connections and zero buyers, while ensuring that all households are legally connected and empowered to buy electricity with ease,” reads the statement by Eskom.

“The Eskom team also assisted customers with challenges related to purchasing electricity and addressed all service-related queries on the ground.”

Last week’s campaign mirrors a similar one conducted in the area in 2019 where Eskom uncovered more than 300 illegal electricity connections and 1 054 tampered meters.

Eskom audited more than 1 500 households in Mzingazi after an analysis revealed that the power utility is only receiving 2% of the potential revenue from the area.

Meanwhile, the power utility continues to plead with communities to safeguard the power system.

“Illegal connections and meter bypassing not only constitute theft, but also place immense strain on the network, often leading to transformer overloads, equipment damage, and in severe cases, explosions and extended outages,” continues the statement.

“Electricity should be purchased only through Eskom-accredited vendors, and users are encouraged to regularise their electricity usage.”

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