By Doreen Mokgolo
Eskom’s new load reduction plan has angered Gauteng residents, who say it’s just another form of load shedding.
Over the past few weeks, many areas in the province have faced long power outages due to what Eskom calls “load reduction”.
In a statement on Thursday, Eskom said that while load shedding is paused, they will continue load reduction from 5am to 9pm in Gauteng.
“We have to do this because illegal connections and electricity theft are putting too much pressure on our equipment,” Eskom said.
Noluthando Nkosi from Thembisa shared her frustration.
“Eskom says load shedding has stopped, but we still have power cuts. Before, we had schedules and we could plan, but now it’s random. Sometimes, we have no power all day. To us, this is still load shedding,” she said.
Last week, minister of electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said a lack of investment in maintenance and upgrades caused pressure on the infrastructure.
“There has been poor planning and management, and not enough money spent on maintaining and updating the infrastructure,” he said.
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city is talking to Eskom about improving communication in their areas.
“The city isn’t doing load shedding or reduction now, but if we need to, we’ll inform our customers,” he said.
The metro has set aside R5.52-billion for the energy department in the 2024-25 budget to upgrade the Vulcania and Russell Road substations – and to build the new R56-million Phomolong substation to serve Edenvale, Thembisa and Phomolong.
Pictured above: Eskom disconnecting illegal connections.
Source: X
