By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
City Power to implement load reduction during peak times in high-density areas and suburbs around Johannesburg with concerning usage levels that threaten already strained electricity grid.
The power utility complained that there was a sharp increase in electricity demand causing a burden on the strained electricity grid.
“The decision to initiate load reduction follows extensive efforts to encourage customers to use electricity wisely and efficiently in recent weeks.
“Despite warnings about the constrained electricity network in the city, residents have not reduced their electricity consumption, and energy demand has continued to rise,” the entity said in a statement.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) had warned of cold temperatures for parts of the country including Johannesburg.
This has led to an increase in the demand for electricity especially in the mornings and evenings.
“City Power has recorded an enormous increase in the average evening peak load in some areas, which went up by 65%, from 25 MW [megawatts] during the summer months to 33 MW between April and May 2024,” the utility said.
City Power said its network was now at critical levels due to continuous demand, which is higher than the electricity equipment can withstand.
“As a result, load reduction will be implemented in areas where the load exceeds the designated maximum capacity of our transformers, transmission lines, or cables.”
According to City Power over 80 areas will be affected and grouped into 6 blocks for load reduction, which will not exceed two hours per block.
“The schedule will be implemented during peak hours, in the mornings between 4am to 10am and the evenings between 4pm to 10pm,” the utility said.