Use electricity wisely to prevent load-shedding

Use electricity wisely to prevent load-shedding

Kouga residents are asked to use electricity sparingly as power utility enters its annual summer maintenance period.

During this period, Eskom will be performing critical maintenance at its power stations, including Koeberg.

Eskom Chief Executive Officer Brian Dames said the company would do its best to prevent load-shedding, but would need the partnership and support of all South Africans to keep the lights on.

 “The current hot weather conditions have also had an impact on supply, impairing the efficiency of some of Eskom’s dry-cooled power stations and have caused increased demand as customers have increased their use of air-conditioning,” he said.

“We’re keeping the lights on by implementing supply-side initiatives, the assistance from some of our key customers and active demand side management. We need the co-operation of all South Africans and request all electricity users to reduce their electricity usage during this difficult period.”

Dames said the summer season was just as challenging as winter.

“We appeal to consumers to use electricity sparingly and use electrical equipment such as air-conditioning, geysers and swimming pool pumps as efficiently as possible in order to reduce demand for electricity.”

Eskom suggests that pumps and geysers be switched off during the peak periods of 17:00 to 21:00 to assist in reducing demand.