Cape Town — Eskom is extending its load limiting initiative to more customers in Gauteng following a successful pilot project in Fourways.
This means that Eskom Direct customers will have limited access to power during load shedding stages one to four.
The initiative reduces users’ electricity capacity from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps, which allows them to operate essential appliances such as lights, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, fridges and security systems, according to SAgovnews.
The project is now being rolled out to the suburbs of Buccleuch, Kelvin, Paulshof, Marlboro, Sunninghill and Waterfall. MyBroadband reports that the state utility will roll out the programme to the rest of the country this year.
Eskom rolls out load limiting across Gauteng to allow customers to use some appliances during Stages 1 to 4 of loadshedding pic.twitter.com/C1HJq892NC
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 1, 2024
Load limiting will be restricted to Eskom customers with smart meters, which allow the utility to control electricity supply remotely. Customers are also advised that they still have to use power sparingly during load shedding to benefit from load limiting.
“The success of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the cooperation of customers, and their willingness to reduce their electricity consumption.” it said.
How it works
Eskom said an hour before the scheduled start of load shedding, the utility will prompt customers to reduce their consumption to 10 Amps by sending a message to their 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 30 minutes before supply is restored.”
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