and consumers should not always assume that it is load shedding.

It seems as though there is always a catch with the embattled power utility. We hear there will be no load shedding but then we are told the system is vulnerable and could cut out at any moment.

The state-owned utility announced on Christmas Eve that there would be no load shedding on Christmas and Boxing Day, however, the power supply could be interrupted as a result of a local outage, due to a technical fault.

“When experiencing a power outage, don’t assume that it is load shedding.  Your power supply could be interrupted as a result of a local outage due to a technical fault. Eskom is currently not load shedding,” said the power utility.

Eskom’s technical faults

Mothae said that technical faults are often related to illegal connections but it could also stem from storms and other weather conditions.

“It’s important that customers call into the call centre and report the fault so that we can have our technicians go and resolve that issue,” added Mothae.

Soweto’s municipal debt  

According to SABC News, audits must be conducted before Eskom can repair any power station or reconnect a community after a power trip.

Eskom said it is receiving backlash from communities, fearing being cut off as they may have illegally connected to their electricity.

Eskom is still trying to retrieve R20-billion in municipal debt from Soweto in Johannesburg.

Representatives have confirmed that a new strategy to deal with Soweto’s defiance has been formulated and will intensify in 2020. In the interim, Eskom operators have flooded into the area, destroying illegal connections and inspecting electrical meter boxes.

Consumers can report power outages to Eskom on 0860 037 566 or MyEskom Customer App.