Eskom says power restoration nearly complete after severe storms in KZN
Eskom in KZN said power has been restored to most areas after outages caused by severe weather conditions.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
Eskom has made significant progress in restoring electricity supply across KwaZulu-Natal after severe weather left more than 190,000 customers without power last week.
By Monday, June 16, only five networks remained affected, with restoration work expected to be completed by Tuesday.
In a statement, Eskom said the province had faced widespread storm damage, heavy winds, and snowfall which “left more than 190,000 customers without power when 163 networks were affected across the province.”
“The storm’s impact has been devastating, with infrastructure severely damaged in multiple areas,” said Eskom.
“Despite these extreme conditions, Eskom’s technical teams have been working tirelessly and with exceptional urgency to restore electricity supply under extremely hazardous and physically demanding circumstances.”
The utility said major work had been completed in Newcastle and Empangeni, allowing teams to be redeployed to Kokstad and Margate, two of the hardest-hit areas.
“Restoration is progressing as planned, with significant inroads made in Harding and Kokstad areas. Only five networks affecting 2,500 customers are outstanding. Most of the damaged infrastructure has been repaired, with a few poles remaining,” Eskom stated.
The utility apologised for the inconvenience caused to affected customers and acknowledged its personnel's efforts: “Eskom wishes to reassure the public that every available resource has been mobilised, and our field teams are working long hours to restore power.”
Eskom also urged the public to exercise extreme caution around damaged infrastructure and to report any exposed electrical components immediately via official reporting channels.
The utility also commended the resilience of its staff: “Eskom commends the dedication shown by the field teams and the support given by their families as they worked around the clock over the long weekend.”
Customers still experiencing outages are encouraged to report faults using Eskom’s self-service platforms.
Last week, KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that Ugu District was the hardest hit by the storm.
“Strong winds and hailstorms damaged 47 households, affecting 277 people,” he said.