City Power has concluded phase 1 of the Ripple Relay audits in areas serviced by the Reuven Service Delivery Centre (SDC) which commenced on March 5.
Phase 2 of the audit commenced on August 12, targeting areas which are fed from the Mondeor substation. During the audit, authorised agents visit customers’ premises to audit, verify and repair existing ripple receivers.
The audit will take place from August 12 to October 4 as follows:
• Glenanda: August 19 to August 20
• Glenvista: August 21 to August 22
• Kibler Park: August 23
• Meredale, Ext 1, Ext 11, Ext 12, Ext 2, Ext 30, Ext 33, Ext 4 and Ext 6, Ext 7 and Ext 9: August 26 to August 30
• Mondeor: September 2 to September 13
• Mondeor Ext 2, Ext 3, Ext 4, Ext 5: September 16 to September 17
• Ormonde Ext 24 and Ormonde View: September 18 to September 20
• Ridgeway Ext 4 and Ext 5: September 23 to September 24
• Suideoord: September 25 to September 27
• Turfontein and Vierfontein 100 IR: September 30
• Winchester Hills Ext 1, Ext 2, Ext 3, Ext 4: October 1 to October 4
This operation will be done through an automated geyser control system, which will take effect during peak hours, resulting in a dramatic reduction in energy consumption by households collectively.
Over 190 000 ripple receivers have been installed in different households across the city.
However, some of those devices are faulty and require maintenance and repairs. Additionally, there’s a need to refresh the database to ensure that the receivers are properly linked with rightful owners or tenants.
This process forms an integral part of City Power’s comprehensive energy response plan. The project aims to assist in optimising electricity usage and ensuring a more reliable power supply for all their customers. With this technology in place, customers will start seeing significant savings on monthly electricity bills.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said: “The audit is one of the multiple initiatives we have undertaken to secure energy availability and security in the province. By conducting a thorough assessment of patterns of electricity consumption, we can help curtail usage and lower the pressure demand on the grid.”
A ripple receiver is part of a load management system used to control the electricity supply to the geyser during peak hours and load-shedding. Geysers are among the biggest electricity guzzlers, accounting for up to 50% of monthly household energy costs.
The ripple units will be installed by the entity’s employees and appointed agents who will be identified through their City Power ID cards and the branded yellow reflector vests.
The identities of the agents can be confirmed by calling the City Power Risk Control Department on 011 490 7900/11. All the relevant contact information will be contained on the reflector vests so that customers may verify on the spot.
These appointed agents will be carrying out this work free of charge. No one should claim payment for the installation or repair of the ripple receivers. It is also worth noting that the agents will not be coming to switch off electricity for those who might be having outstanding payments.
City Power urges customers to cooperate and gives them access and freedom to do their work. Everyone is urged to be at home or have someone who will provide the agents with access, on the selected dates.
“We understand the inconvenience and frustration that this process may cause, but this is essential in trying to find sustainable solutions to address power shortages. The Ripple Relay Audit is a significant step towards achieving a more reliable supply of electricity to all,” said Mangena.
