Understanding load limiting
JOBURG - Although load limiting has recently come about and has started affecting households in Joburg that have smart meters installed, some residents seem confused by the concept.
During load limiting, City Power turns the power on and off in homes that are using too much electricity on and off in an attempt to warn them that they need to switch appliances off.
According to City Power, more than 90 000 homes have had smart meters installed, and load limiting on is an attempt to curb the frequent load shedding that has plagued Joburg by reducing the amount of power used on a mass scale.
Ward 72 councillor Steven Kruger said, “If residents’ lights go on and off four to five times, this is a warning from City Power that they are picking up that you are using too much electricity. If residents reduce their usage, they will not be cut off for an extended period of time.”
According to Kruger, this means that whoever is experiencing this needs to switch off their geyser, stove, pool pumps and heaters.
“If residents don’t lower their power usage then their power will be switched off for four to five hours as if they were having normal load shedding,” he added.
Christopher Breytenbach, a resident of Joburg who has a smart meter said, “If they are testing or warning me that I am using too much power then surely they can do it in another way rather than constantly turning me on and off? This is not only extremely irritating but what about the electrical appliances that I have? Surely this cannot be a good thing?”
Have you been affected by load limiting? What are your thoughts on this new concept? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
