City Power implements load reduction in high-usage areas

​As Johannesburg's electricity consumption reaches critical levels, City Power is taking preventative measures to safeguard the city's power grid from potential collapse. 

These actions include:

Intensified implementation of ripple relay systems: This technology remotely controls geyser power consumption during peak usage times. Geysers are significant electricity consumers, accounting for up to 50% of a household's monthly energy bill.Targeted load reduction in high-consumption substations: This prioritises areas experiencing excessive strain on the electricity infrastructure.Increased focus on removing illegal connections: This aims to not only alleviate pressure on the grid but also recover revenue owed to City Power.

City Power's load reduction started on Monday, 10 June 2024. 

Despite previous efforts to encourage responsible energy use, City Power has observed a concerning rise in electricity consumption, particularly during peak hours (6am-10am and 4pm-10pm). This surge, coupled with the winter season's anticipated rise in demand, could lead to grid failure if left unchecked.

Over 80 areas across Johannesburg will be subject to load reduction, grouped into six blocks experiencing excessive demand. Each block will experience planned power outages not exceeding 2.5 hours daily during peak times. A detailed schedule is available on the City Power website.

Part of City Power's measures to lighten the load on the grid through load reduction includes the installation of ripple relays. A ripple receiver is part of a load management system used to control the electricity supply to the geyser during peak hours. Geysers are among the biggest electricity user, accounting for up to 50% of monthly household energy costs. The ripple relay receivers at different households are connected to at least 69 of City Power's substations, and it can monitor customers' consumption load remotely. City Power will remotely switch off the customer geyser once they reach high consumption levels. 

What can residents do?

City Power urges Johannesburg residents to adopt energy-saving practices to minimize the impact of load reduction. Here are some suggestions:

Switch off non-essential appliances when not in use.Consider using gas appliances where possible.Educate yourself on energy-efficient practices.

By working together, residents and City Power can navigate this challenging period and ensure a stable electricity supply for Johannesburg.

Below are the areas which will be affected: 

Mountain view Thembelihle Princess Pimville zone 9 Pennyville Precast Freedom Park Alexandra Slovo Matholesville Naturena Lawley Tshepisong Kliptown Vlakfontein Klipfontein Mayibuye  

City Power is implementing load reduction as the last resort, an urgent and unavoidable necessity to protect the electricity infrastructure from overloading which can lead to the equipment exploding, catching fire, and resulting in prolonged widespread outages and delays will incur in repairing the damages and replacing the equipment. Residents are also reminded that although loadshedding is currently suspended until further notice, should it be reinstated, load reduction will continue parallel to loadshedding. 

Customers are encouraged to explore alternative energy sources such as using gas appliances where possible. These necessary adjustments in electricity use can reduce the load reduction time across affected areas. 

11/06/2024

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