City Power warns of possible load reduction due to a high demand

City Power says its system is facing a considerable strain due to the recent temperature drop and has already started recording a sharp increase in electricity demand.

This comes as winter is fast approaching, resulting in a sharp demand for electricity as most South Africans want to keep themselves and their homes warm.

CITY POWER SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN AS WINTER APPROACHES 

City Power said it is closely monitoring consumption patterns across supply areas within Johannesburg as it has already started recording a sharp increase in electricity demand.

The entity said the increase in demand always exerts unbearable pressure on the network and resources thereof.

“Moreover, during peak hours in the morning from 4:00 to 10:00 and again from 16:00 to 22:00, certain areas have recorded and reached concerning usage levels that threaten to overload the electricity equipment.

City Power has identified the following areas as high-density areas:

• Alexandra

• Freedom Park

• Hospital Hill

• Kliptown

• Klipfontein

• Lawley

• Matholesville

• Mayibuye

• Mountain View

• Naturena

• Pennyville

• Pimville Zone 9

• Prescast

• Princess

• Slovo

• Thembelihle

• Tshepisong

• Vlakfontein

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said they urgently appeal to their customers to reduce electricity consumption. This would help alleviate the strain on the system and avoid implementing load reduction.

“Should customers not heed the call, City Power will implement load reduction in these areas. Load reduction is the utility’s last resort in protecting its network infrastructure from damage or collapse.

“If the equipment explodes due to overloading, which could have been prevented, prolonged outages will be imminent, and delays will incur in repairing the damages and replacing the equipment. This will negatively impact essential services such as healthcare, small businesses, schools, traffic lights, and vulnerable individuals who are on oxygen and depend on an uninterrupted power supply,” Mangena explained.

ENTITY MIGHT IMPLEMENT LOAD REDUCTION

City Power also said although load shedding is suspended until further notice, should it be reinstated, load reduction will continue parallel to load-shedding in these areas and others if the energy consumption is not reduced.

For that reason, the entity strongly implores customers, especially in high-density areas and those consuming more energy, to use electricity sparingly, explore alternative energy sources, and always switch off all non-essential appliances.

“These necessary adjustments in electricity usage behaviour can prevent overload-triggered trips or load reduction. City Power has taken steps to mitigate the impact of upcoming extreme cold weather on its network, but customer cooperation is essential in maintaining a stable and uninterrupted power supply,” Mangena added.