Eskom schedules a nine-hour power outage in parts of Gauteng for Monday

Eskom has alerted residents in Dobsonville, Soweto, about a planned power outage on Monday, August 26th. The outage, set to affect customers in Dobsonville Extension 3, will last from 9:00 to 18:00 as the power utility conducts essential maintenance on its distribution network.

In its announcement, Eskom urged residents to exercise caution and treat all electrical appliances as live during the outage. The utility thanked the community for their cooperation and apologized for any inconvenience this necessary maintenance might cause.

Eskom crackdown on illegal connections in Diepsloot

In another development, Eskom, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has removed over 35 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot Extension 6, Gauteng. This joint operation aims to reclaim Eskom’s network and alleviate the strain caused by unauthorised and illegal electricity connections.

Eskom has expressed concern over the financial and operational impacts of these illegal practices. The utility reported non-technical losses amounting to approximately R5 billion in the 2022/23 financial year, attributed to illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other electricity-related criminal activities.

“These efforts are crucial in safeguarding Eskom’s assets, ensuring public safety, and mitigating the severe energy losses caused by illegal connections, meter bypasses, and acts of theft and vandalism,” said Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution.

Zero tolerance for crime and corruption

Eskom has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards crime and corruption within its ranks. Despite most employees’ dedication to enhancing the utility’s performance, allegations have surfaced that some employees might be involved in selling illegal transformers. Eskom is currently investigating these claims and plans to update community leaders on the outcomes.

The utility also called on communities to refrain from engaging in illegal activities related to electricity. Eskom encouraged the public to report illegal connections, meter bypasses, and suspicious activities to its Crime Line.