Electricity usage usually spikes during the frosty season as consumers plug in heaters, blankets and use stoves and kettles more frequently.
Load-shedding has taken place several times this week and many consumers woke to find the lights off on Tuesday morning. Power cuts also have a severe effect on the R40’s traffic flow during peak times as traffic lights are crucial to keeping delays to a minimum.
Motorists are urged to add a minimum of 15 minutes to their travelling time if Rocky Drift’s electricity is off during peak times. They should also take care to follow the directions of traffic officials on duty, as they help to curb accidents and decrease traffic delays.
Load-shedding is divided into three different stages and therefore the times and areas affected will differ depending on the day and the stage. Stage 1 means that the situation is not severe and only a few areas will be affected, while stage 2 indicates that more areas will be affected. Stage 3 is very severe and means that load-shedding will be implemented in large areas or more frequently.
Consumers in the White River area should take note that not everyone falls under the Rocky Drift substation. This substation includes the town, Rocky Drift, White River Country Estates, Novaboard and Hillsview. The Paarlklip area includes Burger Street, Dip 108, Phumlani, Werksaam en Touis Hill. Touis Hill consists of the area around Ingwenyama Lodge, Waterberry Country Estates, as well as the plots along the R40 near Msholozi.
According to Eskom, the electricity supply remains very vulnerable as several units are out of service due to planned and unplanned outages and maintenance. If there are any changes on the system, it could lead to a change in load-shedding at short notice.
Consumers should keep an eye on local media, Eskom’s power alerts or visit www.eskom.co.za to find out when they will be affected.
To avoid any additional strain on the system, consumers are urged to save electricity where possible. This will also have the added advantage of a lower electricity bill at the end of the month.
Some of the biggest electricity guzzlers are geysers, air conditioners and pool pumps and consumers are urged to switch these and other non-essential appliances off when they aren’t being used.
Commercial customers like shopping centres and offices blocks are also urged to help reduce the strain on the power system by switching lights and office equipment like computers and photocopiers off after hours.
For electricity-saving tips, click here or to find out which appliances use the most electricity, click here.
