Eskom launches new ‘load limiting’ pilot to cut demand – here’s how it will work
Power utility Eskom says that it has launched a new process called “load limiting”, which will be implemented during stage 1 to stage 4 load shedding to cut demand.
A pilot for the project is being launched on Friday (23 June) in Fourways.
The pilot will focus on select customers with smart meters as part of a demand-side management programme. The idea is to manage and optimise the supply and demand side of electricity on the grid during lower stages of load shedding, it said.
“Through load limiting measures during stages 1 to 4 of load shedding, customers’ electricity capacity will be reduced from the 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps. This will allow customers to continue to use essential appliances with a reduced capacity of up to 10 Amps,” Eskom said.
An hour before the start of load shedding, the system will prompt customers to reduce their consumption to 10 Amps by sending a message to their customer interface unit (CIU) and cellphone.
The system will provide the customer with four opportunities to reduce their consumption; thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter will automatically switch off the electricity supply for the duration of the load shedding period.
Eskom is appealing to customers who have elected to be part of the pilot to partner and ensure that the impact of load shedding is reduced.
“There are numerous benefits to this approach for both the customers and Eskom,” it said.
The benefit for customers is that they will have access to minimal usage of electricity during lower stages of load shedding.
“The success of this phase of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the customers, as the outcomes will influence how the national rollout will unfold,” it said.
Read: New load shedding stages for South Africa coming soon – what to expect
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