Submitted by Ms PN Njoko
Umtshezi Municipal Manager
Umtshezi Municipality wishes to extend their appreciation to the following industries for their major contribution in the load shedding program that affected the entire country.
1. Masonite Africa.
2. Nestle.
3. Eskort Limited.
As everyone is aware, Eskom is experiencing major problems with supply of electricity, hence load shedding was introduced on Wednesday, October 29 at 1.30pm until Sunday, November 2 at 10pm. As per the load shedding that occurred a few years ago, many of the major industries were severely affected by faults or dips that resulted from sudden shifting of load to cater for the shortfall of electricity.
The municipality put out schedules to notify customers of their times however, when switching off on the medium voltage circuits were done, it sometimes caused dips that caused the large industries to trip out. To prevent unnecessary stoppage of production and to limit the effects of load shedding, the Municipal Electricity Department contacts the industries and businesses directly to reduce load shedding.
No schedule is in place but calls will be made to customers to reduce loading. Nestle, Masonite and Eskort have contributed significantly in these times, thus there was no need to switch customers off. We wish to thank the managers and all who were involved from the above mentioned industries for their help and contribution in keeping the lights on in Estcourt.
Wembezi residents however, have been affected on November 2 as Eskom has a direct feed to Wembezi.
Kindly note that the electricity department may call upon business and industry at time of load shedding to reduce loads. Your co-operation during these times will be greatly appreciated.
