Illegal electricity connections can blow-up transformers
According to Eskom, overloading occurs when more people consume electricity from a network than the capacity it was designed for, which is mostly due to illegal connections and tampering of meters.
There has been a recent increase in blown electricity transformers due to overloading, resulting in further outages in several areas throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
One of the local areas this has become common in is Umzinto.
According to Eskom, overloading occurs when more people consume electricity from a network than the capacity it was designed for, which is mostly due to illegal connections and tampering of meters.
Illegal connections have been a major problem in Umzinto for many years, and one area where it is clearly visible is Textile Road.
Year after year, the Herald reports these connections to Eskom as there are often exposed cables hanging around bushes, on fences, trees or along the road side which is a danger to many.
Once authorities visit the affected area and remove the illegal connections, residents simply reconnect them all over again, unaware of how their actions affect electricity connections in the area on a larger scale.
In a recent statement, Eskom explained that overloading on its electrical network results in damage to electricity infrastructure such as transformers and mini-substations, as well as in prolonged unplanned outages.
In order to protect its network infrastructure and to ensure the safety of the public, load reduction is implemented.
Illegal connections often result in life-threatening situations and electricity theft results in financial losses to Eskom as revenue lost to these illegal connections or bypassed meters is not recovered.
“To ensure the integrity of the network and the safety of the public in the event where Eskom’s assets are damaged or vandalised due to illegal connections, Eskom will only replace the transformer once the illegal connections have been removed,” said Agnes Mlambo, Eskom’s general manager for KZN and Free State.
“In addition, household meters will need to be audited to ensure that it is safe to reconnect. This will result in extended power outages for the communities.”
Mlambo added that the vandalism incidents have been reported to the police and Eskom appeals to communities of these areas to come forward with information that may help in apprehending perpetrators.
“These ongoing criminal acts pose the biggest threat to reliable electricity supply and this results in widespread unplanned power outages which leaves a negative impact on the economy, society, as well as on Eskom’s already burdened financial situation,” she said.
“We urge all South Africans to help combat infrastructure theft, vandalism, illegal connections, and other forms of electricity theft, by reporting any of these criminal activities to the Eskom crime line toll free number: 0800 112722.
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