Eskom aware of widespread outages

Eskom in the Free State is aware of outages across the province following this week’s storms and is systematically attending to faults.  Due to the large number of faults, customers may experience delays in restoration but can be assured that all faults will be attended to as soon as possible.

Customers are reminded to report faults or damaged infrastructure following Eskom’s various customer service channels, which include the MyEskom Customer App, Alfred the Chatbot and the Eskom Contact Centre (08600 ESKOM / 37566).

In addition, customers are urged to stay clear of any broken electrical infrastructure and to follow the below tips to ensure their safety during and after floods or severe rain:

• If possible, unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms.
• Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks and baths, when there is lightning.
• Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when your hands are wet or when you are standing in water.
• If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, get a professional to check it out before it is used again as it may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Stay away from fallen trees or broken branches near a power line, and do not attempt to remove it before the line has been isolated and made safe by authorised Eskom personnel.
• Never step into a flooded room if water may be in contact with electrical plugs, appliances, or cords.
• Do not touch or swim in rivers or streams as power lines may have fallen into them and electrified the water.
• Never try to turn off power at the main box if you must stand in water to do so. If you cannot reach the main box safely, call Eskom or your municipality to shut off power at the meter.
• Keep electric tools and equipment at least two metres away from wet surfaces. Do not use lawn mowers if it is raining or the ground is wet.

We are appealing to people to be more cautious during stormy conditions and to avoid touching exposed or low hanging cables.