Tampering with electricity supply network causes outages

Winter is fast approaching and the City of Ekurhuleni is facing an increase in power interruptions in some areas due to the higher demand for electricity brought on by the colder weather.

Illegal connections and meter bypasses also add to the supply demand.

Occurrence of overload tripping is higher during peak hours between 5am and 7.30am and from 5pm to 8pm.

The City is intensifying the means to fight the scourge of illegal connections by continuously identifying and monitoring hot spots that have more frequent power failures and address them speedily.

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The City has invested resources to strengthen the power supply grid in identified places in preparation for winter.

The strengthening of the network system can only be a success if there is no tampering with electricity infrastructure or illegal connections.

When residents bypass electricity meters, voltage network and transformers fail, as the overload protection for the transformer is no longer functional.

The City cautioned customers who have their electricity supply disconnected or their prepaid meter blocked due to credit control measures to first make necessary arrangements with the finance department before their supply is restored.

Customers are urged to report outages to the City’s call centre on 0860 543 000 or use the My CoE app.

Customers must get a reference number after logging a call.

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