Following the constant power outages experienced in suburbs like Wilgeheuwel and Honeydew as reported on the front page of Roodepoort Northsider week ending 30 May, City Power responded to residents’ concerns.
Spokesperson for the utility Sydney Mphahlele said the two suburbs were not the only isolated cases affected by the power outages. He explained that they are experiencing constant cable theft incidents in areas where they supply electricity throughout Johannesburg.
According to Mphahlele, they approximately have 3 000 incidents of cable theft taking place on their network,costing the utility R11 million for repairing and replacing the damaged and stolen cables every year.
In an effort to fight cable theft, City Power has response vehicles patrolling in high risk areas, based on recorded theft and vandalism statistics in their records. He added that they also conduct joint operations with the police and Metro police on scrap metal dealers from time to time, because according to Mphahlele, that is where cable thieves sell stolen cables.
“City Power is installing pole to ground sleeves and aerial conductor cables (ABC) across the city of Johannesburg to prevent cables being stolen by cable thieves. Another reason is that ABC cable is made of aluminum and it is of no value to cable thieves,” said Mphahlele. He added that they are also conducting educational awareness in the communities that are affected by cable theft. “Residents should be on the lookout for suspicious construction vehicles working on our electrical network – whether marked or unmarked – and report them to Control Room at the following numbers 24hrs a day: 011 490 7911; 011 490 7900; 011 490 7553, or on their toll free number 0800 003 251. Mphahlele also highlighted that residents should also report trolley pushers to the above-mentioned numbers,if they suspect them of cable theft. “The more residents report cable theft incidents, the more City Power becomes aware of escalating trends in communities where these incidents are taking place. Consequently, City Power is able to dispatch resources to areas where they are highly needed.”We conduct educational awareness in communities and other forums,” he added.
Mphalele also mentioned that the power utility has started a process of applying concrete on surfaces where cables have been laid to curb further theft or vandalism.
On the other hand, as power outages sometimes cause damages, Mphahlele confirmed that residents can lodge claims in incidents where their appliances were damaged as a result of the power cuts. “The claimants will have to contact City Power Legal Department at 011 490 7546. They will have to complete a claim form and their claim will be registered and a reference number will be issued.” He explained that a technical report will be compiled in respect of each claim and submitted to their legal department.
“This report then is submitted to the insurance company. The insurance company will then make a decision on whether to settle the claim or not, based on the merits of the case and the technical report relating to the cause of the power surge,”concluded Mphahlele.
