Joburg rolling out load shedding project this month – what you need to know
The City of Joburg’s power utility City Power has announced that it will be rolling out a Ripple Relay Audit in January 2024, which will assess, repair and install thousands of receivers to manage power consumption and aid in managing load shedding.
Ripple receivers are part of a load management system used to control the electricity supply to high-consumption appliances like geyser during peak hours and load shedding.
City Power noted that geysers are among the “biggest electricity guzzlers”, accounting for up to 50% of monthly household energy costs.
“This technology will help customers save on high electricity costs and lower the demand on the overburdened grid,” it said.
The city has already installed over 190,000 of these receivers, but not all of them are functional or properly attached to rightful owners or tenants of various properties.
Through the audit, the city will repair units that are faulty, install new units and update the database of owners.
“From later this month (January 2024), we will be going into customers’ homes to verify, audit, install and repair existing ripple receivers. This process will start in the Mulbarton area and details will be provided in due course,” City Power said.
“This forms an integral part of our comprehensive energy response plan. This project aims to assist in optimising electricity usage and ensuring a more reliable power supply for all our customers.
The city said that the technology will also give customers significant savings on monthly electricity bills.
“The Ripple Relay Audit is one of the multiple initiatives we have undertaken to secure energy availability and security in the province. By conducting a thorough assessment of patterns of electricity consumption, through this technology, we can help curtail usage and lower the pressure demand on the grid.”
What customers should know
City Power stressed that the audit is not linked to any process where customers would be cut off due to non-payment of bills, and asked for cooperation from residents.
The ripple units will be installed by the entity’s employees and appointed agents who will be identified through their City Power ID cards and the branded yellow reflector vests.
The identities of the agents can be confirmed by calling City Power Risk Control Department on 011 490 7900/11. All the relevant contact information will be contained on the reflector vests so that customers may verify on the spot.
There are also no fees involved, and customers should be wary of any “installer” seeking payment or fees.
“We urge everyone to be at home or have someone who will provide our agents with access, on the selected dates,” it said.
“We understand the inconvenience and frustration that this process may cause, but this is essential in trying to find sustainable solutions to address power shortages. The Ripple Relay Audit is a significant step towards achieving a more reliable supply of electricity to all.”
Read: Big load shedding changes for Joburg – 4 hour slots are back
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