Load reduction to continue in Gauteng on Sunday: Eskom
Eskom says it will continue with the implementation of load reduction in certain areas in Gauteng on Sunday.
Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says this is due to persistent network disruptions caused by illegal connections and other overloading in high density areas.
"These outages will be limited to peak hours in the mornings and evenings between 05:00 - 9:00 and 17:00 - 22:00, when the most damage to infrastructure occurs.”
Mantshantsha says Eskom is particularly concerned over the damage caused to its infrastructure.
"Eskom has noted with concern a spike in transformer and mini-substation explosions caused by network overloading as a result of illegal connections, meter bypasses and tampering, as well as theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
"These explosions lead to prolonged outages, which leave people without electricity for days, and can cause fatal injuries to people.
"Further, due to the unprecedented volumes and recurring high demand to replace failed equipment, Eskom is stretched and thus not always able to timeously carry out the repairs.
“As such, priority will be given to areas where customers allow Eskom to conduct audits and to remove the illegal connections and to terminate supply to bypassed meters."
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Cables and poles suspected to belong to City Power were also recovered at the scene. This comes after the power utility was tipped off about illegal connections supplying electricity to informal settlements in the area. Eskom's Motlhabane Ramashi says the 3 suspects are members of the community.