Eskom clamps down on illegal connections
This after an analysis of energy losses in Mzingazi revealed that Eskom is only receiving 2% of the potential revenue from the area
POWER utility Eskom has implemented a project to clamp down on illegally connected households in Mzingazi.
This after an analysis of energy losses in Mzingazi revealed that Eskom is only receiving 2% of the potential revenue from the area.
Households in the community will therefore be audited in an effort to curb the energy losses.
These losses include the inherent distribution of energy along the networks which occurs naturally, and not consumed by users.
Non-technical losses occur when the energy is used by consumers, but not paid for.
This is regarded as theft and involves meter tampering, bypassing and illegal connections, but also incorrect meter readings and faulty meters.
‘If a household is found connected illegally, Eskom will issue a tamper notice, remove the cables and meters and connect the household legally.
‘Those households that are tampering or bypassing the meters are given tamper notices, and the tampered meters are removed and replaced with new sealed meters.
‘There will be follow up audits to ensure that customers buy according to their consumption,’ Eskom said.
Similar projects will be rolled out in areas with high energy losses in KZN and nationally.
Eskom KZN General Manager, Agnes Mlambo, has urged communities to pay for the power they use.
‘Our youth, the future leaders of this country, need jobs and we can only assure them of employment if we grow the economy.
‘However, we can only grow the economy if we receive revenue,’ Mlambo said.
She further warned that illegal connections are dangerous.
‘Many children are injured or killed each year because of illegal connections. Communities should report any unsafe installations to Eskom,’ she said.
Customers can report unsafe installations, low hanging conductors and illegal connections to 08600 37566 or SMS 084 6555778, 082 9413707 and 083 6471951.
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