The act of connecting illegally to an electricity supply network impacts negatively on Eskom and remains a concern for innocent lives are lost due to this consequence of the unsafe use of electricity.
The power supply entity is concerned about the safety of the communities which may be at risk due to the escalating number of illegal connections, meter bypassing and vandalism to electricity infrastructure.
Reaffirming the seriousness of the illegal connections, Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said: “We believe that one injury or fatality as a result of the unsafe use of electricity is one too many.
“We have identified that the biggest contributors to electrical accidents, injuries, and fatalities are because of  low-hanging conductors, unsafe connections, vandalism, illegal power connections and cable theft.
“Residents and businesses regularly connect to the Eskom network illegally, and not only is this dangerous for the individual making the connection, but it also puts the rest of the community at risk,” said Phasiwe.
Phasiwe said that such activities are unfair to Eskom’s paying customers because illegal connections draw too much energy from the grid, causing power failure.
“Due to the fact that illegal users believe that they are getting “free electricity,” there is no incentive for them to use electricity responsibly and efficiently.
“This can lead to overloading and instability of the electricity network, especially during times of supply restraints and may lead to power outages.
Eskom wants to remind all South Africans that, although electricity is an essential part of life, it can be dangerous if not used correctly, only Eskom employees and authorised contractors can work on networks, meters, and substations.
