Eskom warns against rampant illegal connections

With cold temperatures and higher electricity demand, Eskom says it continues to experience network overloading in various regions.

While the power utility recently marked 100 consecutive days without load-shedding, it has expressed concern about illegal electricity connections, theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure.

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This as some communities in the region are still without power owing to, among other reasons, the exploding of transformers as a result of illegal connections and overloading.

“To avert potential dangers to public safety and the risk of network overloading which could lead to load reduction measures at any instance and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly encouraged customers to moderate their electricity usage during the suspension of load-shedding.

“It is also imperative that customers ensure their electrical connections are lawful and that they procure electricity solely from authorised vendors,” said Eskom.

While the risk of load-shedding remains, Eskom group chief executive Dan Marokane said the achievement of 100 consecutive load-shedding-free days is significant.

“It is important to note that the continuous suspension of load-shedding has been achieved against a backdrop of a significant decrease in the usage of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to supplement generation capacity. OCGTs are strategically utilised to assist Eskom in meeting high electricity demand during peak times.

“The 100 days milestone includes a R6.2-billion reduction in OCGT diesel expenditure from 1 April to 30 June compared with the same period last year, and if we maintain our trajectory on reduced diesel spend, it will be a strong driver in a possible return to profit,” said Marokane.

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