Eskom implements load reduction amid winter overloads

South Africa’s power utility Eskom has announced the commencement of load reduction measures in specific areas to prevent local grid overloads caused by increased electricity usage during winter. The utility clarified that load reduction differs from load shedding, as the overall capacity remains sufficient. However, overloaded local infrastructure, particularly transformers, risks failure, necessitating these preventive measures.

Eskom: Winter demands strain local grids

As temperatures drop, the demand for electricity in regions susceptible to power theft surges, leading to indiscriminate usage that severely strains the network. Eskom emphasised that this heightened demand often results in network failures due to extreme overloading. The current cold snap has intensified these issues, further pressuring the already vulnerable infrastructure.

Eskom highlighted the critical state of approximately 2111 frequently overloaded transformers nationwide, with around 900 of them awaiting replacement. The most affected areas include Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West. In these regions, around 94% of the overloaded transformers are struggling due to electricity theft and uncontrolled electricity use.

Preventive measures and public safety

Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns about the consequences of electricity theft, Eskom finds itself compelled to implement load reduction to safeguard its assets. The utility stressed that without such measures, repeated transformer failures and explosions could occur, posing significant risks to human safety.

“Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life, we only implement load reduction as a very last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted,” said Monde Bala, Group Executive for Distribution.

“A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months, protecting Eskom’s assets is in the best interest of all South Africans,” concluded Bala.

The load reduction strategy aims to mitigate the risk of transformer blowouts, ensuring that local grids can handle the increased winter demand without catastrophic failures. Eskom continues to urge the public to use electricity responsibly and report any instances of electricity theft to help alleviate the strain on the network.

What can communities do to help reduce the strain on local grids during peak electricity usage times?

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