Eskom is bringing a twist to the tale of loadshedding with its Load Limiting project, now extending its reach across Gauteng.
Gauteng areas selected for Eskom’s Load Limiting project
After a successful test run in Fourways, the utility’s project is branching out to bring a semblance of relief during the dreaded Stages 1 to 4 of loadshedding.
The project, born out of the Demand Side Management (DSM) program, aims to balance the scales of electricity supply and demand. It’s a smart move, literally, targeting customers with smart meters.
These savvy gadgets possess the unique ability to be remotely controlled, allowing Eskom to reduce electricity capacity from 60/80 Amps to a mere 10 Amps during loadshedding stages.
Residents of Buccleuch, Kelvin, Paulshof, Marlboro, Sunninghill, and Waterfall can breathe a sigh of relief as they are next in line for this rollout.
These areas, equipped with the necessary smart meters, are set to experience a new way of managing power cuts.
How does Load Limiting work?
Here’s the deal: during Stages 1 to 4 of loadshedding, customers will have their electricity capacity limited.
But there’s a silver lining. This reduction to 10 Amps means you can keep your essentials running. Lights, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, fridges, and security systems won’t leave you in the dark, or offline.
An hour before the loadshedding baton is passed, a heads-up message will buzz through to customers’ cellphones, prompting them to dial down to 10 Amps.
The system plays fair, giving four chances to comply. Fail to heed the call, and it’s 30 minutes of blackout before the power grace returns.
Eskom isn’t just rolling out a project; it’s extending an invitation for a partnership with its customers.
Those in the selected areas with compatible meters are encouraged to join hands in the venture.
The success of Load Limiting leans heavily on the cooperation of customers, who are urged to play their part in reducing their electricity consumption.