Eskom to switch off overloaded ‘illegal connection’ power networks

ESKOM will be switching off overloaded power networks during peak hours.

This after reporting a significant rise in network overloading around KZN as a result of illegal connections and bypassed meters.

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The power utility said in a statement today, that illegal activities on their network resulted in damage to the electricity infrastructure through explosions in overloaded transformers and mini-substations.

In response to the problem, Eskom will switch off overloaded networks during peak periods and power will be switched back on after the peak loading period.

‘Should Eskom’s infrastructure be damaged due to illegal connections, for the safety of the network and the public and its infrastructure, Eskom will only replace the transformer once the illegal connections have been removed and it is safe to energise the area,’ said Eskom.

‘This will result in communities staying for days without electricity as parts and resources are not always available.

‘The replacement of a 20 MVA power transformer costs anything between R100 000 and R7.3 million, which is untenable.’

Communities are urged to switch off appliances such as heaters, stoves and geysers when not in use; and to only use these when absolutely necessary, in order to help stabilise the network at local level.

Below is the list of overloaded areas owing to illegal connections:

Empangeni area: Mtubatuba, Amanzamnyama, Duleen, Fort Napoleon, Mon Desir, Nhlangenyuke, Nsiwa, Ongoye, Senziwe, Esikhawini, Mhlanga, Muzi, Uzimgwenya, Hlabisa, Mfolozi, Mtubatuba, Ntambanana, Umhlabuyalingana, Umlalazi, Mandeni, Abaqulusi

Pietermaritzburg area: Wilgerfontein, Shenstone, Imbali, Edendale, Kranskop, Draaihoek, Henley Hill, Maqungwane Outlying, Nhlazatshe, Impendle, Tafuleni, Mpophomeni, uMshwathi, Mkhambathini

Newcastle area: Dannhauser, Madadeni, Osizweni, Drycut, Massondale, Palermo

Ladysmith area: Emnambithi, Ezakheni, Graythorne, Msinga

Margate area: Borderland Estate, Braemar, KwaNzimakwe, Munster, Sonop, Thongazi, Ray Nkonyeni

eThekwini area: Craiglea, Rietvallei, KwaXimba, Umgeni Dam

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