Eastern Cape: Significant progress has been made in restoring electricity supply to areas affected by severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape over the past 48 hours. Gale force winds, heavy snowfall, and damaging gusts left thousands in the province without power earlier this week.

According to South African Government News Agency, a statement issued on Wednesday by Eskom Eastern Cape Distribution revealed that electricity had been restored to approximately 136,000 customers, marking a substantial improvement from the 300,000 customers who were without power as of Tuesday morning. Some of the customers brought back online include over 50,000 in Umzimvubu and Elundini Local Municipalities, 15,000 within Port St Johns Local Municipality, and 20,000 customers in Tsolo within King Mhlontlo Local Municipality. Electricity to all these customers was restored Tuesday evening.

Eskom teams have resumed efforts to continue with the restoration for the outstanding 164,000 customers in areas including Qumbu, Matatiele, Mthatha, Ntabankulu, Bizana, Mqanduli, and Willowvalley. The entity has urged the remaining customers to be patient and to continue treating all electrical appliances as live during this period. With the weather starting to clear, Eskom is hopeful for better access to sites, which will facilitate quicker restoration of electricity supply.

Eskom has also reminded affected customers to remain patient and treat all electrical appliances as live for safety reasons. Customers are encouraged to report supply issues using available platforms such as Alfred the Chatbot and the MyEskom Customer App, accessible on Android and iPhone devices.