Be electro-wise, says Eskom

Electricity safety was everyone’s business, Eskom said yesterday, repeating its call to South Africans to ensure the safe usage of electricity.

The parastatal’s comments followed a week-long countrywide campaign to educate people about using electricity safely and responsibly.

“The aim of the annual Eskom National Electricity Safety Week is to make communities aware of the basics of safe electricity usage and the risks associated with electricity theft, meter tampering and bypassing of and illegal connections,” a statement by the parastatal read.

“We want people to know how to identify the dangers and what actions to take if or when they spot them.

“Electricity safety is critical to the people who use electricity, as increased awareness results in less crime, injuries and fatalities related to the unsafe use of electricity.”

Eskom would not only like to increase awareness but also build partnerships, particularly with communities hardest hit by the illegal use and theft of electricity. Ensuring that South Africa complied with the safe use of electricity was at the core of Eskom’s mandate, and its objective was ensuring zero harm to employees, contractors and members of the public.

According to Eskom, it was vital for community structures such as schools, hospitals, small businesses and even families to treat and use electricity with respect.

“We want to encourage everyone to save lives and be electricity-wise. In instances of the unsafe usage of electricity and illegal connections, people are exposed to risk and lives are affected.”

Eskom said electricity was an essential part of life, but could be dangerous if not used correctly.

Community members were urged to report unsafe conditions or connections by calling 08600 ESKOM (37566). This included cases of dangerously exposed or low-hanging cables, illegal connections, vandalism and cable theft. – ANA

In instances of the unsafe electricity usage and illegal connections, people are at risk and lives are affected. Eskom