Eskom to implement 13-hour power outage in these Tshwane areas

Planned maintenance by Eskom will result in a 13-hour power outage in parts of Tshwane, Gauteng.

The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, 25 April.

ESKOM ANNOUNCES A POWER OUTAGE PARTS OF TSHWANE

The power utility said there will be electricity supply disruption in Tshwane due to maintenance that will be conducted on the distribution network.

“The power outage will affect customers in Bronkhorstpruit, Ekangala, Kromdraai and Kwaggafontein on Thursday, 25 April from 7:15 – 21:00. The interruption of electricity is necessary to perform essential maintenance on our distribution power lines,” the power utility said.

CUSTOMERS URGED TO TREAT ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AS LIVE

In the interest of safety, Eskom said customers should treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the power outage.

“Eskom apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused by this maintenance. Should circumstances beyond the control of Eskom arise, the planned electricity maintenance may not proceed as communicated,” the power utility added.

In addition, Eskom said should circumstances beyond its control, the planned power outage in Tshwane may not proceed as communicated.

TIPS TO MITIGATE AGAINST RISKS CAUSED BY ROLLING BLACKOUTS:

• Make use of surge protection: Electric surges are one of the biggest causes of damage to equipment during a power outage. Installing a surge protection device can help minimise some damage in unforeseen situations. Have a surge protection device fitted to your electrical distribution board or at the power outlet to the electronic device.
• Ensure that your alarm system is working and the backup battery is fully functional to provide power to the system in the event of load shedding.
• Spare torch or headlamp: Keep a torch in your car if you arrive home at night during a power outage. Most smartphones have built-in torch or torch apps, which come in handy during unexpected outages.

AUTHORITIES WARN AGAINST ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY CONNECTIONS AFTER FATAL INCIDENT

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recently urged residents to refrain from illegally connecting electricity as this can have fatal consequences.

The warning came after a 26-year-old man who was allegedly attempting to connect electricity to his flatlet when he was electrocuted and died.

It is alleged that on Saturday, 20 April, at about 02:00, the occupant of the main house in Couta Street, Kuyga, Greenbushes, heard the dogs barking and went outside to investigate when she found the tenant of the flatlet lying lifeless on the roof with wires in his hands.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said SAPS Kabega Park opened an inquest docket.