Eskom has announced that it is now giving new and existing businesses the option to self-build an electricity connection to the national power grid with the help of Eskom-approved contractors, service providers and suppliers.

This comes after huge demand for new electricity connections in the business sector caused a backlog in infrastructure delivery at Eskom in the past which resulted in longer waiting periods for some customers.

The utility says facilitating connectivity to the national power grid is a measure to help increase output and stimulate economic growth. “This will, as a consequence, lead to an increase in electricity sales and ultimately allow a reduction in the unit cost of electricity to the benefit of all customers,” explains Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe.

A solution to effectively manage their requirements

Eskom notes that providing customers with a solution to more effectively manage their electricity demand requirements, the self-build option enables customers to control the timing and, to a greater extent, the cost of their connection; get access to electricity much faster; and increase production much quicker by switching on and powering new or expanded business operations much earlier.

“The self-build option is available to any business in the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. Customers should apply to self-build connection infrastructure at the time when they apply for a new electricity connection or an upgrade in supply or a change in connection, such as a line deviation”, Phasiwe adds.

Detailed information on self-building an electricity connection is available at www.eskom.co.za.