After load-shedding resumed this past week, Ward 102 councillor David Potter has given some handy advice to better understand and manage the chaos.
- Get on Twitter
“Follow @Eskom_SA to find which stage Eskom has declared (or changed during the day), then follow @CityPowerJhb to find out which blocks are affected during the stage declared,” said Potter.
- Councillors do not have all the answers and neither does City Power
“City Power is heavily reliant on Eskom to switch power on and off to certain main intake stations. When these major intakes trip or fault, City Power requires Eskom to dispatch a resource to investigate, and this can take time. Councillors do their best to engage with relevant City entities and officials but are reliant on being provided with information and updates timeously,” said Potter.
- Blocks change and differ
“Blocks change and differ as faults occur and City Power needs to stabilise loads and faults. Whilst you may have been block X previously, you may now be block Y. Streets in one suburb may also be fed from various major supply points.”
Work out which block you are in for this season of load shedding and remember it.
- Your geyser and pool pump don’t go to work with you
“Even when you are not at home, they continue to draw an incredible amount of current and often cause the network to trip when power is restored. Until the power network is stable, City Power often battles to restore power, so switch off all non-essential appliances to aid in quicker and less troublesome restoration of power.”
- Load shedding ages an already aged network
“Every time there is load shedding, the network suffers immensely, so expect an increase in problems now and in the future on cables and substation infrastructure.”
- Opportunity exists when the power is off
“Be mindful and ensure your safety in and out of the home and office and be vigilant of cable thieves portraying to work legitimately on the power network. Check with City Power Risk Control on 011 490 7553, the police or your local security company if you are uncertain,” said Potter.
- If you remain off and other parts of your block have been restored
“It could mean that your local substation blew or tripped or that the cable supplying your house or the substation in your area developed a fault or blew or that vandalism took place. Inform City Power of such so that a resource can be dispatched to assist. Log a call online by visiting citypower.mobi or call 011 375 5555.”
- Go easy on your WhatsApp groups
“If someone has been kind enough to post the stage and block for the day, there is no need to keep the groups busy by asking again and again for the stage and block, providing your personal opinion or to reinforce the drama, the same drama that everyone else on the group is experiencing. Teach yourself to fish.”
- Go easy on your councillor
“We only have your best interests at heart, are also human, need sleep, family time and electricity, just as much as you do.
“Get on Twitter and while you are at it, follow the following important City of Joburg resources @CityofJoburgZA @MyJra @CleanerJoburg @JHBWater @AsktheChiefJMPD.”
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