Since January, Eskom has replaced 400 transformers across South Africa damaged by network overloading due to electricity theft. As winter sets in, the increased demand for electricity exacerbates this issue.
Electricity Theft and Network Overloading
Eskom has identified several types of electricity theft contributing to network overloading:
- Illegal Connections
- Network Equipment Theft
- Vandalism
- Meter Bypasses and Tampering
- Unauthorized Network Operations
- Purchasing Electricity from Illegal Vendors
“Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life. The time, funds, and manpower used to replace these transformers could have been utilized to improve the reliability of our network, electrify more communities, improve the experience of our paying customers, and create more jobs,” said Agnes Mlambo, the acting group executive for Eskom distribution.
Risks of Overloaded Transformers
- Service Disruptions: “A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months; protecting Eskom’s assets is in the best interest of all South Africans,” Mlambo emphasized.
- Current Risk: Around 2,500 transformers nationwide are at risk of failure due to regular overloading, with less than 1,000 transformers currently isolated and waiting to be replaced.
Preventive Measures
Eskom has launched the “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign to prevent load reduction and sudden supply disruptions. Customers are urged to:
- Lower Consumption
- Ensure Legal Connection and Payment for Electricity
- Purchase from Authorized Vendors
- Report Illegal Activity
Understanding Load Reduction
While load shedding is implemented when there is insufficient electricity supply, load reduction is used to prevent overloading of transformers when electricity is available.
City Power’s Load Reduction Implementation
The City of Johannesburg’s power utility, City Power, started implementing load reduction on Monday during peak times from 6 to 10 AM and 4 to 10 PM in high-density areas and suburbs with high usage levels threatening to overload the equipment.
“The decision to initiate load reduction follows extensive efforts to encourage customers to use electricity wisely and efficiently in recent weeks. Despite warnings about the constrained electricity network in the city, residents have not reduced their electricity consumption, and energy demand has continued to rise,” City Power said in a statement.
Load Reduction vs. Load Shedding
Eskom clarified that load reduction is distinct from load shedding. “Load reduction is a proactive measure that Eskom uses to protect human life and equipment worth millions of rands, particularly mini substations, transformers, and people’s livelihoods,” the utility stated.
Call to Action
Eskom urges customers to report criminal activities such as illegal connections, theft, and vandalism that can damage transformers, mini-substations, and other electricity infrastructure to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722.
By addressing electricity theft and overloading, Eskom aims to protect its infrastructure, ensure reliable service, and safeguard the well-being of South Africans.
