This comes as the power utility continues to record a substantially high trend of energy demand during peak periods in the mornings and evenings between 05:00 and 09:00, and again between 17:00 and 20:00 respectively.
“This unprecedented measure is necessary to contain the situation. This is in line with our priorities of containing operational costs and [improving] plant performance,” said Motlhabane Ramashi, Senior Manager for Maintenance and Operations in Gauteng.
Illegal connections and meter tampering have been identified as potential causes for the unusual uptick in usage in parts of the Vaal, Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Braamfischerville, Ivory Park and parts of Soweto.
The implementation of this initiative will be effected on a rotational basis in order to curb rising costs. Eskom will continuously monitor the developments to determine any improvements. The power utility will keep conducting audits, remove illegal connections, and act against meter tampering, as well as impose penalties for any transgression while driving this initiative that is part of the multipronged strategy.
“We will carry on to partner and collaborate with the affected communities and stakeholders to ensure that electricity is delivered to all customers, as we are of the view that electricity remains an essential service”, concluded Ramashi.
