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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pilot for the project is being launched on Friday (23 June) in Fourways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n