Use electricity sparingly to prevent overloading, urges City Power
City Power is facing a strain on the system due to increased electricity demand as temperatures drop. Customers are urged to reduce consumption to avoid overloading and potential load reduction measures, which could lead to prolonged outages and delays in repairs.
City Power has sounded the alarm on the sharp increase in electricity demand as temperatures drop, leading to a serious strain on the system and outages.
Alexandra is one of the many areas affected within the supply areas of the local power utility and the residents are being urged to reduce their consumption to alleviate the pressure on the network and prevent potential load reduction measures.
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According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the utility monitors consumption patterns across its supply areas within Johannesburg. While load-shedding is currently suspended, the utility warns that if customers do not reduce their energy consumption, load-reduction measures will be implemented.
Mangena said areas most affected by this strain were high-density areas such as Alexandra, Freedom Park, Hospital Hill, Kliptown, Klipfontein, Lawley, Matholesville, Mayibuye, Mountain View, Naturena, Pennyville, Pimville Zone, Prescast, Princess, Slovo, Thembelihle, Tshepisong, and Vlakfontein.
“City Power urges customers to use electricity sparingly and explore alternative energy sources to avoid overloading the system and potential load reduction measures. Customers are reminded to switch off all non-essential appliances to reduce their energy consumption,” Mangena said
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He added customer cooperation was essential in maintaining a stable and uninterrupted power supply. “If the equipment explodes due to overloading which could have been prevented, prolonged outages will be imminent, and delays will incur in repairing the damages and replacing the equipment.
“This will negatively impact essential services such as healthcare, small businesses, schools, traffic lights, and vulnerable individuals who are on oxygen and depend on an uninterrupted power supply.”
Mangena said customers could reduce electricity consumption to prevent overload-triggered trips or load reduction measures, adding that City Power had taken steps to mitigate the impact of the upcoming extreme cold weather on its network.
“We therefore urge customers to take action to reduce their energy consumption and avoid overloading the system. By working together, customers may help prevent potential load reduction measures and ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply.”
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