Cape Town – Eskom says it has taken measures to implement load reduction in several areas due to network overloading.
This comes as a series of cold fronts sweep across the country.
The power utility said that load reduction is distinct from load shedding, assuring that there is still sufficient generating capacity to meet the nation’s electricity demand.
Even though load shedding has been suspended for over three months, Eskom now faces network overloading issues exacerbated by the cold weather.
“While Eskom has suspended load shedding for 103 consecutive days due to sufficient generation capacity to supply electricity to the country, the issue of network overloading has resurfaced with the onset of winter,” Eskom said in a statement.
With temperatures dropping to minus five degrees in Gauteng and inclement weather expected in the Western Cape, including disruptive rains and strong winds, the demand for electricity has surged.
Eskom resumes load reduction as loadshedding remains suspended to protect human life as a result of electricity theft pic.twitter.com/i7SKYWtMmW
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 9, 2024
Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, said that overloaded transformers, primarily due to electricity theft and indiscriminate use, pose serious risks to human life and the utility’s infrastructure.
“Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life, we only implement load reduction as a very last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted,” said Monde Bala, Group Executive for Distribution.
“A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months, protecting Eskom’s assets is in the best interest of all South Africans,” said Bala.
The affected areas include parts of Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West, where 94% of the overloaded transformers are located. Overloading is most prevalent during peak hours from 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.
In response, Eskom has urged residents to reduce their electricity consumption, ensure legal connections, and report any illegal activities. Customers are encouraged to switch off nonessential appliances, such as heaters and geysers, and use alternative heating methods to prevent load reduction and sudden power loss.
Efforts are being made to restore full power as quickly as possible once the risk of overloading decreases. Communication with affected customers will be conducted through regular channels, including SMS and Customer Connect newsletters, the power utility said.
“In areas where load reduction will be implemented, the relevant cluster or province will communicate with affected customers through the normal channels including SMS and Customer Connect newsletters.”
Eskom said that with winter intensifying, Eskom continues to prioritise protecting its assets and maintaining a stable electricity supply while urging the public to cooperate and conserve energy.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@Eskom_SA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
