Eskom: High risk of load shedding

FOLLOWING the tripping of its units from Thursday evening to this morning, Eskom, has issued out a warning to its consumers to expect load shedding in high volumes. This has resulted in the power supplier running short at generation capacity, which will ultimately affect the consumer’s electricity consumption.

Eskom also warned against the over-use of electricity to power cooling down appliances such as air conditioners and pool pumps during hot weather conditions country-wide. Electricity users have been urged to use alternative methods to keep cool.

Shedding times will be between 6am and 10pm today. This is the first time South Africans will be hit by load shedding after 60 days of smooth running. According to reports, load shedding has already begun in some areas with consumers going without power for over two hours.

The following are tips on how to keep cool while using electricity efficiently:

Adjust blinds and curtains in rooms that receive direct sunlight. This helps to keep rooms cool and postpone switching on air-conditioners.

Close windows while air-conditioners are running.

Don’t cool empty space. Only switch on air-conditioners when rooms are occupied.

Switch off units 30 minutes before leaving the office.

Set air-conditioners’ average temperature in summer to 23°C.

Create awareness amongst employees and individuals responsible for the control of HVAC systems that are not controlled via a building management system.

Conduct proper maintenance to ensure all HVAC system components are intact and work efficiently, including motors, pumps, fans, compressors, ducting and filters.

Consider replacing old systems. New, energy-efficient systems offer enhanced control functionality and higher levels of energy efficiency.

Use air-conditioner fans to draw in and circulate cool air from outside during early morning hours.

Set air-conditioners to circulate cool air instead of drawing in warmer air from the outside.