Johannesburg and surrounding areas are bracing for a chilly week, and both City Power and Eskom are urging residents to be mindful of their electricity consumption. A severe cold front has descended upon Gauteng, leading to a surge in electricity demand as people crank up their heaters, electric blankets, and geysers.
City Power: Use Electricity Sparingly
City Power has issued a strong appeal to residents to use electricity judiciously. The increased demand is putting significant strain on the infrastructure, especially during peak hours in the early mornings and evenings. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange alert for disruptive snowfall, further complicating matters.
"Our grid is under pressure," a City Power spokesperson stated. "We urge customers to switch off geysers during peak times, opt for hot water bottles and extra blankets, and generally avoid unnecessary electricity use. Prevention is better than power cuts." Response teams are on high alert to address potential outages.
Eskom: System Stable But Constrained
Eskom reports that the system is currently stable, with adequate emergency reserves in place. The utility is strategically deploying these reserves to manage the increased demand caused by plummeting temperatures and thunderstorm warnings. Furthermore, Eskom plans to bring 2,550 megawatts of generation capacity back online before the evening peak, which should further stabilise the grid.
Medupi Unit 4 Recovery
There's good news on the horizon! Medupi Unit 4, which contributes 800 megawatts to the grid, is nearing completion of its recovery after suffering damage in 2021. The unit is expected to be back in operation next month, providing a much-needed boost to the power supply.
- Switch off geysers during peak times.
- Use hot water bottles and extra blankets.
- Avoid unnecessary electricity consumption.
Residents are encouraged to follow these tips to help alleviate pressure on the grid and prevent potential load shedding. Stay warm and stay informed!