Electricity theft is a crime – Eskom
JOBURG - Residents are cautioned to take electricity theft seriously and to not illegally connect electricity.
This caution came from Eskom, through their campign Operation Khanyisa, who highlight the negative impact of electricity and cable theft on homes, streets and the economy.
The utility said that electricity theft led to power outages that affect everyone.
According to Maboe Maphaka of Eskom, when an unregulated amount of users are illegally connected to a power supply point, the point becomes overloaded or permanently damaged, resulting in households and businesses being plunged into darkness.
Maphaka added that this also causes traffic jams, road accidents, damage to appliances and compromises security systems.
“In a country with high levels of road accidents, robberies and burglaries, this cannot be left unchecked,” Maphaka said.
The impact of electricity and cable theft is not only felt by suburbs and businesses; Eskom and municipalities have lost R4.5 billion to electricity theft.
The economy also suffers because productivity is affected and this forces businesses to shut down.
Maphaka urged residents to refuse offers by illegal connectors to bridge their houses or businesses. She said that the consequences far outweigh the benefits of this illegal connection.
“When caught, the criminals face a hefty prison sentence while the households that are involved are immediately disconnected from the electricity grid, and are required to pay back all the money that is owed to Eskom or the municipality,” Maphaka said.
