Eskom in Gauteng continues to replace mini-substations and transformers that either failed or exploded as a result of theft, vandalism and network overloading.
The overloading is caused by illegal connections, meter tampering, unauthorised operations, non-payment and electricity token purchases from ghost vendors. This amid the challenges of the shortage of mini-substations and transformers.
The power utility recently reported shortages of mini-substations and transformers as a result of the high number of failed and exploded electricity equipment that require repairs or replacement, making it difficult to meet the demand. Eskom implements control measures such as audits, maintenance, load reduction, education and awareness campaigns to avert failures that lead to unplanned and extended outages. However, this equipment still fails mainly due to the illegal electricity-related acts which are rife in Gauteng communities.
“Over the years we repeatedly replaced and repaired failed infrastructure without an equipment replacement process. With the non-payments, debt levels, and non-technical losses continuing to grow and the operational costs accelerating, the business takes further financial strain as we have to keep repairing, refurbishing or replacing infrastructure that breaks or is frequently vandalised. We have since intensified the process which is financially sustainable to ensure return on investment and also reduce infrastructure failures and prolonged outages,” said Daphne Mokwena, the Senior Manager for Customer Services in Gauteng.
The process to replace or repair the failed equipment commences with a network audit to determine the cause of the failures, the extent of the damages followed by the removal of illegal connections, fixing faulty meters and replacing damaged mini-substations and transformers – depending on the availability of the required material which is a challenge at this stage.
“To accommodate the customers that cannot immediately settle the R6 052,60 remedial fee, Eskom introduced the Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA). Customers are required to enter into a DPA and make an initial minimum payment of R500 and the balance can be paid over a maximum period of six months. Eskom will start the process of restoring the power supply when a threshold of 60% of the payment has been made by customers supplied from the same affected equipment. This is dependent on the availability of all necessary material.
“Communities are in a position to avoid premature equipment failure resulting in unplanned and extended outages by refraining from conducting illegal electricity-related acts. We also urge members of the public to report criminal activities such as illegal connections, theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to the authorities or to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722,” concluded Mokwena.
