Metro implements power ‘load reduction’ in Sosh

The Tshwane metro has implemented load reduction in and around areas of Soshanguve in the north of Pretoria on June 10.

The areas affected by the load reduction are supplied by the Soshanguve 132/11kV substation.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the inclement weather has increased electricity demand in the area.

He said the available grid is unable to cope with the strain and the metro has decided to reduce energy consumption from 18:00 until 22:00 daily.

“The move to implement load reduction in Soshanguve was informed by the current status of the Soshanguve 132/11kV Substation which is experiencing power overload as a result of illegal connections.

“The metro will soon embark on an aggressive campaign to disconnect illegal electricity connections in the area that are the main contributing factor to the grid overload,” said Mashigo.

Hereunder is a schedule for load reduction effective from 18:00 to 22:00 for this week:

– Wednesday: Block S and X

– Thursday: Block R and KK

– Friday: Block T, V and R

– Saturday: Block KK and R

– Sunday: Block W, R, X, X-Buffer A and B

Mashigo said the metro implores the community to report illegal connections so that those who are behind this crime can be held accountable.

“The option of load reduction has an advantage to consumers in that it prevents extended and unplanned power outages, which could last for days, as the electrical protection schemes are bound to trip if overloading is not managed,” he said.

“It also saves the city from incurring unnecessary costs, which might result from extensive damage to the substation.

“Due to the vulnerability of the substation, the metro was faced with two choices. To either leave the feeders to trip on their own, which would result in two secondary substations being off and 80% of Jukulyn losing power, or to allow the region to manage the load reduction,” said Mashigo.

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He said the only rational option under the circumstances was managing load reduction to ensure the grid was not compromised.

“Consumers are requested to always switch off non-essential appliances and alternate the use of high consumption appliances (geysers, kettles, stoves and heaters) to reduce the prospect of overloading the electricity system.

“Consumers are urged to reduce consumption for the city to ensure continuous supply of electricity.”

Mashigo said that Tshwane technicians will monitor the performance of the grid and may increase or reduce the number of areas affected as and when it becomes necessary.

“The metro will communicate the following week’s load reduction schedule every Friday to keep the affected consumers informed at all times.

“Consumers are urged to treat the system as live at all times,” said Mashigo.

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