Eskom warns electricity could be cut in places where there are illegal connections, vandalism
The power utility stopped the scheduled power cuts on Sunday, saying it is able to replenish its emergency reserves sufficiently.
Picture: Aekkarak Thongjiew/123rf.com
JOHANNESBURG - Despite load shedding being suspended, Eskom has warned that electricity could be cut in places where there are illegal connections and vandalism.
The power utility stopped the scheduled power cuts on Sunday, saying it was able to replenish its emergency reserves sufficiently.
Load shedding made a return on Friday after 10 months of uninterrupted power supply.
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Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, has urged customers to avoid overloading the network.
"To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections, as this can negatively impact the entire local community. It is also essential for customers to ensure they purchase electricity only from authorised vendors."
Mokwena said the utility would be able to meet demand going forward.
"Eskom’s summer outlook, published on 26 August 2024, remains unchanged. Currently, unplanned outages stand at 13,279 megawatts and continue to trend downward, averaging 12,087 megawatts. Planned maintenance outages account for 6,298 megawatts and are aligned with our summer maintenance strategy to further improve reliability in preparation for winter 2025 and beyond."