City’s repeated non-compliance forces Eskom to take charge of load-shedding
This is not the first time Eskom has taken back the role of load-shedding to CoE customers.
Eskom has once again resumed direct load-shedding to the City of Ekurhuleni customers.
This comes after the city’s repeated failure to adhere to the NRS 048-9:2019 code of practice.
The power utility took over the role of load-shedding from March 1.
According to Eskom, the code of practice requires electricity distribution licence holders to reduce load during the declaration of a system emergency.
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Ekurhuleni had been closely monitored and analysis conducted by the power utility showed that the CoE did not reduce the load as required by NRS 048-9:2019.
Eskom officials had also repeatedly brought the matter to the attention of those in the city.
This is not the first time Eskom has taken back the role of load-shedding to CoE customers.
The CoE has previously requested that Eskom hand back the implementation of load-shedding to the municipality with a commitment to honour the requirements of the code of practice.
In a statement issued last week, officials from Eskom said they appreciate the CoE’s technical limitations in executing load-shedding but the non-compliance puts further strain on the already stretched national grid.
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the city had received the letter from Eskom regarding the load-shedding issue.
“We appreciate the electricity situation faced by the country and remain committed to the course as directed by Eskom.
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“We shall engage further with the entity to discuss the areas of concern and see how best we can address them.
“We regret that we find ourselves in this situation but we are optimistic that we will find each other like we normally do.”
Kempton Park ward councillor and DA spokesperson for water, energy and sanitation in Ekurhuleni, Simon Lapping, said the city could not even manage a load-shedding schedule effectively.
“While the appreciation for technical difficulties exists, the blame for those difficulties lies solely with an executive, who uses institutions in the city like an employment agency,” said Lapping.
Lapping said residents can be assured that their load-shedding schedule will remain unchanged.
“We will not allow the city and its residents to bear the brunt of the executive. Drastic change is needed.”
