Tuesday, 09 July 2024 – Eskom has marked 103 consecutive days without load shedding, a significant achievement driven by improved generation capacity. However, the power utility now faces the challenge of network overloading, exacerbated by the onset of winter and prevalent electricity theft.
Network Overloading and Electricity Theft
This issue is most pronounced in Eskom supply areas across Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West. Approximately 94% of the total overloaded transformers are located in these regions, primarily due to electricity theft and indiscriminate electricity use.
“Overloaded transformers due to electricity theft present a serious risk to human life. We only implement load reduction as a last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted,” said Monde Bala, Group Executive for Distribution.
Risks and Preventative Measures
A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months, posing significant risks to Eskom’s assets and public safety. To mitigate these risks, Eskom has launched the “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign. This initiative urges customers to reduce their consumption, ensure legal electricity connections, and report illegal activities.
Key Points on Load Reduction:
- Load reduction is not the same as load shedding.
- Implemented in areas identified as high-risk due to increased energy consumption.
- Implementation occurs during peak hours when demand is highest.
- Communication with customers will be maintained.
- Efforts will be made to restore full power as quickly as possible once the risk decreases.
- Customers should not report faults during load reduction periods and should treat all installations as live and dangerous.
During the winter season, energy demand spikes in areas prone to electricity theft, often leading to network failure due to extreme overloading. Currently, around 2,111 transformers are frequently overloaded across the country, with approximately 900 transformers awaiting replacement.
Continued Investments and Community Engagement
Despite Eskom’s investments in resources and increased capacity to meet demand in these areas, the situation remains unsustainable. Eskom has engaged with various communities to educate them on the safe and efficient use of electricity. In some areas, Eskom has removed illegal connections; however, network overloading persists.
Protecting Assets and Ensuring Safety
Eskom’s electricity infrastructure is designed to handle loads based on known, legally connected customers and actual sales for specific areas. Exceeding these loads through electricity theft can overload equipment, potentially causing explosions and electrical fires in surrounding areas.
To avert these dangers, Eskom continues to implement load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages. Customers are strongly encouraged to moderate their electricity usage, especially during peak times, and ensure that their connections are legal and purchases are made from authorized vendors.
Customers are also urged 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.
Final Note
Eskom will provide an update next Friday, 12 July 2024, or promptly communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur.
