Media Statement
Public Interest SA Calls for Action Against Electricity Theft and Illegal Connections
Johannesburg, South Africa – June 10, 2024: Public Interest SA is deeply concerned about the ongoing issue of electricity theft and illegal connections that plague electricity distribution utilities such as City Power. These illegal activities not only compromise the integrity of the electricity grid but also pose significant safety risks to communities.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the alarming trend of attacks on technicians who are dispatched to address faults and carry out necessary repairs. This perilous environment makes the task faced by electricity utilities increasingly daunting and hazardous.
Public Interest SA strongly urges all citizens and communities to refrain from engaging in electricity theft or turning a blind eye to such anti-social conduct. This illegal activity endangers the community by damaging infrastructure and exposing children and other vulnerable individuals to the risk of harm from live wires and unsafe connections.
In certain areas, the incidence of electricity theft spikes during inclement weather, compelling utilities to cut off supply to prevent a potential grid collapse. This not only disrupts the lives of law-abiding citizens but also places additional strain on the already overburdened electricity infrastructure.
Public Interest SA calls on communities to actively report any instances of illegal connections. This includes reporting any municipal or Eskom employees who may be complicit in enabling such criminal conduct. It is imperative that we work together to safeguard our infrastructure and ensure the safety and reliability of our electricity supply.
We implore all members of the community to be vigilant and proactive in combating electricity theft. By doing so, we can help protect our infrastructure, prevent potential tragedies, and ensure a stable and safe electricity supply for everyone.
For more information, please contact Public Interest SA at 010 005 5884.
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