Cable theft causes power outage
Eskom informs the public that the replacement of copper cables is costly and that this has a drastic financial impact on the utility.
Although load shedding might still be on temporary leave (for now), residents in the mid-South Coast area recently got an unlucky reminder of what it was like to be deprived of electricity – no thanks to a day’s long power outage.
Power went off in Park Rynie, Preston, Scottburgh and Scottburgh South last Thursday at about 02:00.
Local councillors kept communities informed of progress on the matter throughout the day as they communicated with Eskom officials.
It is believed that the outage was caused due to cable theft, and power was restored in most areas only at about 19:00 that evening and about two hours later in other areas.
Eskom confirmed the theft and stated that a technician was contacted by the Control Centre that morning regarding the loss of supply to the areas. On investigating, he discovered that about 600m of MV cable had been stolen, and the Ring Main Unit had also been damaged.
Eskom informs the public that the replacement of copper cables is costly and that this has a drastic financial impact on the utility.
“We appeal to the public to partner with us in reducing electricity-related criminal activities by reporting illegal connections, theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to the Eskom crime line number: 0800 112722.”
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