JOHANNESBURG - Illegal power connections cost Eskom R22-billion in the last financial year.
The utility says the money could have been better used to maintain power plants instead.
Eskom also says the illegal connections are leading to prolonged power cuts.
Mashangu Xivambu said, "we didn't connect illegally."
"We've been living here for more than 5 years. These companies know that we don't have electricity."
"I've been to the Department of Housing to complain that we don't have power."
"They only come here when they are campaigning for votes, but we don't have electricity."