Eskom reveals more areas that can skip load-shedding

Eskom is expanding its load-limiting project to more Gauteng areas after a successful pilot in Fourways and good reception in Riverside View.

The load-limiting mechanism forms part of the Demand Side Management initiative, which aims to manage and optimise electricity consumption to better balance energy supply and demand.

It allows Eskom Direct customers to avoid stage 1 to stage 4 load-shedding as long as they keep their demand in check during rotational power cuts.

Eskom said that the next rollout of the project will be implemented in Buccleuch, Kelvin, Paulshof, Marlboro, Sunninghill, and Waterfall.

The power utility recently told MyBroadband it would roll out load-limiting in all provinces in February 2024.

“The power utility urges all its customers with compatible meters where load-limiting will be implemented to support the initiative which ensures that they continue to have electricity for the duration of load-shedding,” Eskom said.

“The success of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the cooperation of customers, and their willingness to reduce their electricity consumption.”

Eskom is focusing on suburbs with smart meters as these have the technical functionality that allows it to control the electricity supply remotely.

Customers who are part of the project can use essential appliances like lights, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, and security systems during these load-shedding stages, as long as they keep their load below 10 Amps.

With South Africa’s 240V electrical grid, that works out to about 2.4kW, which is enough to support even more power-hungry appliances like kettles, microwaves, or air fryers.

Outside of load-shedding, typical home connections can draw up to 60 or 80 Amps (16.4kW or 19.2kW, respectively).

To ensure customers are not caught offside during a power outage, Eskom notifies them via SMS to reduce demand an hour before their load-shedding slot begins.

During load-shedding, the system will give customers four opportunities to reduce their consumption.

If the load has not been reduced after four warnings, the meter will automatically switch off the electricity supply for 30 minutes before supply is restored.