Eskom disconnects supply in Orange Farm

Electricity supply in Lakeside extensions 1 and 2, of Orange Farm has been disconnected due to non-payment and the non-purchasing of electricity tokens affecting approximately 2686. The disconnection of customers who are not paying for their services has been intensified across the Gauteng province in Eskom’s areas of supply, and such operations will be extended to other areas as per our operational plan. These measures have been put in place to ensure that the services we render are paid for by all customers, and to ascertain our sustainability as a business.

Orange Farm is one of the areas that has a high rate of non-payment and non-buying of electricity and the utility is not in a position to continuously provide services, as the non-payment/purchasing of electricity contributes to increased energy and revenue losses, coupled with increased operational costs.

“The electricity disconnections come after extensive engagements with the affected communities requesting them to pay for the services rendered” says Motlhabane Ramashi, Senior Manager for Maintenance and Operations in the Gauteng Operating Unit. Furthermore, we are of the view that it is in our best interest to continue build and maintain our assets while we collect revenue so that we can invest back into infrastructure development.

Earlier in the week, the residents of Lakeside extension 2 violently stopped Eskom operations of conducting audits and disconnections in the area, which we condemn. Eskom employees were chased out of the area while they were busy with their duties consequently compromising their safety and the integrity of the network.

“We urge the affected customers to visit Eskom’s local offices or call Eskom’s contact centre on 0860 037 566 for payment arrangements or to deal with issues affecting their accounts or other electricity-related issues in the area”, concluded Ramashi.