Eskom to step up load reduction in Gauteng as temperatures drop

The power utility says there is continued high energy demand during peak hours between 05:00 and 09:00  and between 17:00 and 22:00. 

"Eskom in Gauteng has noted with concern a significant rise in network overloading because of illegal electricity activities across high-density areas in the province, “ the power utility said in a statement.

“The power utility appeals to members of the public to refrain from using electricity indiscriminately, illegal connections, bypassing meters, tampering with, and vandalizing the electricity infrastructure as this causes overloading of the network and results in damage to cables, transformers, and mini substations in these areas.

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"Due to the rising number of illegal electricity activities such as purchases made from ghost vendors, illegal connections, and illegal operating, the electricity infrastructure is starting to fail. This puts a strain on the repair and replacement of the failed assets.

According to Eskom, load reduction is implemented to protect electricity infrastructure and assets from repeated failure and explosions. 

The power utility says customers who are not purchasing or paying for their electricity services will be disconnected