Eskom Battles Transformer Overload Amidst Electricity Theft

Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, has been grappling with a surge in transformer replacements due to network overloading.

Since the beginning of the year, Eskom has replaced at least 66 transformers every month. This alarming trend is largely attributed to electricity theft, which puts immense strain on the power grid.

Thousands of Transformers at Risk

Currently, around 2,500 transformers across South Africa are frequently overloaded and at risk of failure. Additionally, nearly 1,000 transformers have been isolated and are awaiting replacement.

The resurgence of network overloading in some areas is a direct result of electricity theft, including illegal connections, equipment theft, vandalism, meter bypasses, and unauthorized operations.

Electricity Theft Threatens Lives and Resources

Agnes Mlambo, Acting Group Executive for Eskom Distribution, stresses the gravity of the situation, stating that “Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life.”

She highlights the significant resources – time, funds, and manpower – consumed by replacing these transformers, which could otherwise be used to improve network reliability, electrify more communities, enhance the experience of paying customers, and create jobs.

Load Reduction vs. Load Shedding

To prevent load reduction and sudden power outages, Eskom has launched the “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign.

This campaign urges customers to reduce consumption, ensure legal electricity connections and payments, and report illegal activities.

Load reduction is a proactive measure taken by Eskom to protect human life and valuable equipment when a transformer is at risk of overloading. This differs from load shedding, which occurs when there is an insufficient supply of electricity.

Eskom’s Appeal to Customers

Mlambo emphasizes that “Load reduction is not 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.”

Eskom recently announced that it has successfully avoided load shedding for 77 consecutive days due to sufficient generation capacity.

However, the ongoing threat of transformer overload underscores the importance of addressing electricity theft to maintain a stable power supply.

Reporting Electricity Theft

Eskom urges customers to report any criminal activities related to electricity theft, such as illegal connections, theft, and vandalism, to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722. By working together, South Africans can help protect critical infrastructure and ensure a reliable and safe electricity supply for all.

For more information on how to save energy, customers can refer to Eskom’s Energy Saving Tips.