…By for TDPel Media. Just two days after Eskom’s announcement that it had taken over loadshedding power in the City of Ekhuruleni, the power utility has reversed its decision and handed back control to the municipality.
This decision comes as a response to the Municipality’s commitment to implement loadshedding, which it had previously failed to do despite prior engagements with Eskom.
Ekhuruleni’s Promise to Implement Loadshedding
The City of Ekhuruleni has vowed to adhere to the NRS 048-9:2019 practice code, ensuring the implementation of loadshedding to its customers.
Eskom confirmed this commitment, stating that the Municipality has assured them that necessary controls have been put in place to address the challenges that prevented compliance with the code.
The NRS 048-9:2019 code requires distributor license holders to reduce load during a system emergency by implementing loadshedding.
Eskom’s Monitoring and Warning
Eskom, in response to the City’s promise, has pledged to monitor not only Ekhuruleni but also other municipalities to ensure proper implementation of loadshedding.
The power utility emphasizes its obligation to protect the integrity of the grid and warns that it will take over the loadshedding responsibility of any municipality that fails to comply, even after engaging with them on the matter.
City of Ekhuruleni Proposes Load Curtailment
On Wednesday, the City of Ekhuruleni announced its plan to propose load curtailment during negotiations with Eskom.
Load curtailment refers to the reduction of power consumption by customers in response to instructions from Eskom.
The city clarified that in the event of an emergency declaration, industrial customers must be able to reduce their load by a specified percentage.
Weekend Schedule for Loadshedding
Due to improvements in power generation capabilities, Eskom has adjusted the loadshedding schedule for the weekend.
On Saturday, loadshedding will be at stage 3 (reduced severity) from 5 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday, it will be at stage 2.
However, stage 4 loadshedding will continue from 4 pm to 5 am.
Eskom’s Call for Conservative Power Use
Eskom urges the public to use power conservatively, especially by switching off non-essential appliances, as a cold front is expected to affect the country.
The power utility emphasizes the need for responsible power consumption to manage the electricity demand effectively.
Conclusion
In light of Ekhuruleni Municipality’s commitment to implement loadshedding and improved power generation capabilities, Eskom has handed back control of loadshedding to the municipality.
The situation will be closely monitored to ensure compliance, and Eskom emphasizes its duty to safeguard the grid’s integrity.
Meanwhile, Eskom encourages the public to use electricity responsibly during the expected cold front.