Electricity + Control June 2016

CABLES + ACCESSORIES

ROUND UP

Electricity theft… shocking figures

According to online publication The Energy Collective , electricity theft accounts for 1% of all electricity consumed globally. In its February 2013 edition, the publication stated that India loses up to 33% of all electricity generated and 1% of GDP due to electricity theft. According to the report, the USA was losing an estimated $6 billion annually due to electricity theft while the UK was losing an estimated £299 M per annum due to gas and electricity theft. In South Africa, Eskom and munici- palities lose an estimated R7,5 billion per annum due to electricity theft. Electricity theft includes illegal connections, meter tampering and bypassing, illegal prepaid power vending, cable/ infrastructure theft, and non-payment. In recent weeks Eskom has arrested a number of culprits who have been found in possession of, amongst oth- ers, overhead lines, transformers and pylon support lattices. The value of material stolen remains a serious concern, as it is indicative of or- ganised, syndicate-driven criminal activity in the conductor theft environment, which

Two people were recently found guilty of theft and sentenced to seven years impris- onment at the Potchefstroom Regional Court, North-West. A third accused was fined R20 000 or six years imprisonment The convictions follow an Eskom investiga- tion which led to the three arrests in May last year after a 70 mmwide and 1 km long overhead conductor valued at R126 000 was stolen in Delareyville, North West.

is also experienced by other state-owned enterprises. The fight against network equipment theft is being addressed by means of intel- ligence driven investigations by the Hawks, a division of SAPS, which encompasses ag- gressive policing of the scrap metal market for stolen goods. The courts are also taking this crime seri- ously and significant sentences are being handed out to perpetrators. A joint industry working group, formed by Eskom,Transnet, Telkom, SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, Business Against Crime and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), continues to contribute positively in the fight against this crime. Some successful policing On 29 January 2016 a man appeared in the Cullinan Regional court and was found guilty of robbery, with aggravating circum- stances, and sentenced to 15 years impris- onment for stealing cable rolls from one of Eskom’s depots in Cullinan (three people were involved but only one was arrested).

Enquiries: Eskom Media Desk. Tel: +27 (0) 11 800 3304/3343 or email mediadesk@eskom.co.za

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