ENDLESS power outages for the past four years is a frustrating reality for Mzingazi residents.

Last week, community worker Sharon Mdletshe said they went several days without electricity.

“In our area, the power goes out between 5pm and 9pm daily. We were told it’s load reduction because there are too many illegal connections and people are not paying for electricity,” said Mdletshe.

“While we have approached the authorities and our councillors for help, the problem continues.”

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Mdletshe said the electricity goes off for up to three days, with the only explanation being ‘transformer explosions’.

“Our community members continue to suffer because our food rots without electricity for our fridges and freezers. We cannot continue like this,” she said.

Improved grid stability
Meanwhile, Eskom released a statement last week, indicating the power system is stable, with a reduction in unplanned outages as a result of the Generation Recovery Plan that has been implemented.

“Despite the overall stability and reliability of Eskom’s power system, load reduction remains necessary in certain high-risk areas to safeguard infrastructure and ensure public safety,” reads the statement, citing ‘illegal connections’ and ‘meter tamperings’ as risks.

“These activities often result in equipment damage, transformer overloads, and, in severe cases, explosions and prolonged outages.

“To mitigate these risks, Eskom may implement load reduction by temporarily switching off power in affected areas during peak demand periods.”

However, Eskom says it is committed to eliminating load reduction ‘within the next 12 to 18 months’.

“This goal will be achieved by addressing 640 000 illegal connections, upgrading infrastructure – including the installation of smart meters – curbing illegal electricity vending, and expanding access to free basic electricity in priority areas.”

Illegal connections or acts can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

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