The Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s (MLM) Electricity Section still experience frequent unplanned and continuous power outages, especially in Thusi Ville and Khayelihle.
They attribute most power outages to cable theft and illegal electricity connections as well as the exponential increase in electricity demand due to the cold weather currently experienced during the peak hours of 5pm – 9pm.
“The main cause for the overloading of the power grid, transformers and mini-substations, are illegal connections,” Mr Mandla Zwane, spokesman for the Msukaligwa Municipality stated.
Illegal connections are said to be the main contributor to the overloaded power grid which causes unplanned power outages. Photo: MLM Facebook Page.“The above-mentioned causes overloading and in turn tripping of the circuit breakers.
He also said when water is introduced into the equation and exposed wires come into contact with it, power surges occur and result in transformers/substations exploding.
“To replace these transformers takes hours and sometimes even days, hence the prolonged restoration time.
According to Mr Zwane, the MLM reports and/or opens cases on all cable thefts and illegal connections.
“Most of the time municipal technicians are accompanied by police when they disconnect these illegal connections.”
He stated that police recently committed to trace illegal cables to the properties where they are connected and will charge the owner of that property.
The charge will be for illegal connections and for being in the possession of illegal property (cables).
“The Municipality would like to thank all law-abiding citizens for paying for municipal services on-time and for their perseverance and understanding during these prolonged power outages.”
The Msukaligwa Municipality appeals to community members to report any illegal and unsafe electricity connections to the municipal call centre at any of the following numbers 017 801 3500 / 017 801 3400 / 086 116 7852 / 079 503 6729 / 079 503 5484.
“The Municipality urges electricity users to use it wisely and sparingly by switching off unused electrical appliances such as geysers.”
