The Randfontein Local Municipality (RLM) would like to help Eskom this winter by sharing electricity-saving tips with consumers in Randfontein.
“During winter there is a high demand for electricity countrywide due to low temperatures and the need to keep warm.
This results in cable blowouts and transformer explosions that occur randomly in different areas. This in turn affects the Eskom networks that blow out from time to time,” Lucky Chiya, spokesperson for the RLM said.
“The distribution network that we are using has exceeded its economical life span, hence its sensitivity on overloading. With the limited resources we have on an annual basis as the RLM, it is difficult for us to fast-track upgrading and replacing the infrastructure,” Chiya explained.
“In addition, Eskom’s capacity to meet the need of a nation also has been compromised owing to economic expansions. Based on the above these hiccups are to happen from time to time. It also is a request from our side to the community to use electricity wisely and sparingly.”
How to lessen the load:
• Switch off the lights in rooms that are not occupied.
• Switch off lights when leaving your work place.
• Cover geysers with blankets to reduce heat loss.
• Switch off geysers and pool pumps during peak time.
• Try to cook light meals during peak times.
• Do not leave your electrical equipment and gadgets on standby.
• During area outages switch off all switches and plugs. Switch them on one by one power is restored as this prevents a surge that can cause damage.
• Take note of national electricity status alerts on TV and keep up to date with load-shedding schedules.
