Eskom To Resume Load Reduction In Overloaded Areas Ahead Of Winter

Eskom announced on Tuesday that it will start load reduction in certain areas again because the network is overloaded ahead of winter. However, the electricity company noted that this load reduction won't be the same as load shedding.

Load reduction happens when there's more demand for electricity than the infrastructure, like transformers, can handle. Eskom's Group Executive for Distribution Monde Bala explained that overloaded transformers can leave customers without electricity for a long time.

"Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life. We only implement load reduction as a very last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted," Bala said, SA News reported.

He added, "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."

The power utility mentioned that the issue is most common in supply areas across Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Northwest provinces, adding that overloading usually happens during busy morning and evening times when electricity demand is highest.

Eskom said that 94% of the overloaded transformers are located in these areas due to electricity theft and irresponsible electricity use.

Despite ongoing campaigns to educate the public about the consequences of electricity theft, Eskom has decided to implement load reduction to prevent its equipment from breaking down or causing explosions, which could endanger lives.

The power utility revealed that 2,111 transformers across the country are "frequently overloaded" and at risk of damage, with an additional 900 already awaiting replacement.

Eskom emphasized the importance for consumers to take heed of warnings about the risks associated with overloading, adding that its electricity infrastructure is designed to handle specific loads based on legally connected connections and actual sales in each area.

Eskom said the winter season presents a particular challenge due to "exponential increase in energy demand in areas prone to electricity theft, as electricity is often used indiscriminately, leading to network failure due to extreme overloading".

Overloading caused by electricity theft can exceed these limits, potentially causing explosions and electrical fires in nearby areas. This poses a serious threat to both lives and equipment, particularly mini-substations and transformers.

"To prevent load reduction and abrupt loss of supply, Eskom has launched the 'Save Your Transformers, Save Lives' campaign that urges customers to reduce their consumption, ensure that the electricity they consume is legally connected, paid for, purchased from legal vendors, and to report illegal activities," Eskom said.

It added, "Over time, Eskom has invested resources and increased capacity to meet the exponential demand in these areas prone to overloading. Despite these investments, the demand has continued to grow, rendering the situation unsustainable."

Meanwhile, Eskom noted that paying customers cannot be excluded from load reduction as the network's configuration does not allow for dedicated supply lines to paying customers, making it impractical to service them separately.

To report criminal activities like illegal connections, theft, and vandalism that could harm transformers, mini-substations and other electricity infrastructure, the power utility encouraged South Africans to contact the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722.