Eskom warns against illegal connections
"We believe that one injury or fatality as a result of the unsafe use of electricity is one too many."
Eskom remains concerned about the safety of communities, which may be at risk due to the escalating number of illegal connections, meter bypassing and vandalism to electricity infrastructure.
Eskom spokesperson Mr Khulu Phasiwe said every year innocent lives are lost as a consequence of the unsafe use of electricity, particularly in the form of illegal connections.
“We believe that one injury or fatality as a result of the unsafe use of electricity is one too many. We have identified that the biggest contributors to electrical accidents, injuries, and fatalities are contact with low-hanging conductors, unsafe connections, vandalism, illegal power connections and cable theft,” said Mr Phasiwe.
He said residents and businesses regularly connect to the Eskom network illegally. Not only is this dangerous for the individual making the connection, but it also puts the rest of the community at risk.
In addition, illegal connections draw too much electricity from the grid, causing power failures to paying customers. Eskom has found that most people understand that connecting illegally can be dangerous, but they continue to use illegal connections.
“Due to the fact that illegal users believe that they are getting free electricity, there is no incentive for them to use electricity responsibly and efficiently. This can lead to overloading and instability of the electricity network, especially during times of supply restraints. Eskom wants to remind all South Africans that, although electricity is an essential part of life, it can be dangerous if not used correctly,” said Mr Phasiwe.
Mr Phasiwe said people should remember that only Eskom employees and authorised contractors can work on networks, meters and substations.
