Eskom implements the Load Limiting Project Pilot in Fourways
Load limiting through smart meters is part of the demand side management initiatives to manage and optimise electricity consumption.
Eskom implemented its Load Limiting Project nationally with the pilot scheme kicking off in Fourways on June 23.
The pilot focused on selected customers who have smart meters. Load limiting through smart meters is part of the demand-side management initiatives to manage and optimise electricity consumption to better balance the supply and demand of electricity on the grid during stages 1 to 4 of load-shedding.
The load limit measures during stages 1 to 4 of load-shedding in which customers’ electricity capacity will be reduced from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps which will allow customers to continue to use essential appliances with a reduced capacity of up to 10 Amps.
An hour before the start of load-shedding, the system will prompt customers to reduce their consumption to 10 Amps by sending a message to their customer interface unit and cell phones. The system will provide the customer with four opportunities to reduce their consumption and thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter will automatically switch off the electricity supply for the duration of the load-shedding period.
The power utility appeals to customers who have been selected as part of the pilot to partner with it to ensure the impact of load-shedding is reduced. There are numerous benefits to this approach for both the customers and Eskom. The project aims to allow customers to have access to minimal usage of electricity during lower stages of load-shedding. The success of this phase of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the customers, as the outcomes will influence how the national rollout will unfold.
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