Eskom technicians are cutting off illegally connected electricity in Diepsloot ext 13, north of Johannesburg.
The power utility says illegal connections are overloading the system.
Happening today: Removal of illegal connections in Diepsloot.#PayAndBeLegal #EskomGauteng https://t.co/KytguB4Gcq pic.twitter.com/ubTNn6l250
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 29, 2020
It says this is causing power failures to the electricity transformers and mini-substations.
Eskom technicians started off by dismantling a mini-substation which they say was also built illegally.
The power utility believes the equipment that they’re removing is part of its infrastructure which was stolen somewhere, compromising power supply.
ESKOM GAUTENG LAUNCHES ENERGY MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN pic.twitter.com/8dLTcvYkUC
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 29, 2020
Some of the affected residents are standing by, watching helplessly as their electricity is cut off.
Eskom says this is a start of a campaign that will be carried out in other areas where people have also connected themselves illegally.
Meanwhile, last week, City Power disconnected illegal connections at upmarket estates north of Johannesburg.
Officials say over 200 customers living at three estates owe the utility more than R13 million.
Among the areas targeted is Dainfern, where one property owner is in arrears of R1.4 million in unpaid electricity charges.
The video below is reporting on City Power’s disconnection of illegal connections at upmarket Dainfern:
