City Power issues warning with cold front approaching
City Power technicians have been put on high alert to respond to power outages as quickly as possible to ensure a limited disruption of power service to residents of the city.
As anticipated, City Power is already experiencing an increase in the usage of electricity following a warning issued by the South African Weather Service that a cold front will hit Johannesburg and Gauteng from today.
Inclement weather normally causes overloading as consumers of electricity switch on their high-consumption appliances, such as heaters, stoves and geysers, to keep warm.
This behaviour normally puts a strain on the power system and causes resultant unplanned power outages across the City of Johannesburg.
City Power technicians have been put on high alert to respond to power outages as quickly as possible to ensure a limited disruption of power service to residents of the city.
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While other areas are not excluded, City Power hot spots of overloading are usually in areas such as Alexandra, Tshepisong, Roodepoort, Rabie Ridge and Allandale, whereas the last resort to balance the load on the network, load rotation may be implemented.
Load rotation is a process whereby a power supply will be rationed between two or more blocks to give everyone an equal opportunity to have electricity for a particular period.
However, City Power appeals to all the residents to use electricity sparingly to avoid a situation whereby as a utility, we are compelled to implement load rotation.
If you are not using it, switch it off
• Switch off your pool pump and geyser if you are going away on holiday.
• Insulate your geyser with a blanket or other insulating material to conserve energy consumption.
• Infrared lights on appliances also consume electricity, switch them off at the wall socket.
• If you are going on holiday, ensure your timer switch is in good working condition to switch your outside lights off during the day and on during the night.
• Switch off lights in unoccupied rooms and if you are going on holiday switch off all inside lights.
• How long will you be away for? Why not leave out perishables and grocery shopping so you can switch your fridge off.
• An unoccupied house does not need to be warmed or cooled. Remember to switch off the air conditioners and underfloor heaters and other appliances.
• Use the right appliances for the purpose.
• Do not make toast in the oven. This uses three to four times more electricity than an electric toaster.
• Use a kettle for boiling water rather than a pot.
• Ensure the size of your pot matches the size of your hotplate.
• Do not use pots with uneven bottoms as they use more energy.
• Take a shower instead of a bath.
* Issued by City Power Relationship Management
