City Power Implements Load Reduction Amid High Electricity Usage Levels

Johannesburg‘s electricity utility, City Power, is set to initiate load reduction in areas with exceptionally high power consumption starting today. With over 80 regions identified and grouped into six blocks for load shedding, each block will not exceed 2.5 hours of power interruption.

The decision to implement load reduction comes after ongoing efforts to educate consumers on efficient electricity use. Despite numerous warnings about the city’s constrained power network, residents have not curbed their electricity usage, leading to a surge in demand that has put strain on the grid, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated.

City Power has witnessed a significant spike in evening peak consumption levels, with some areas experiencing a 65% increase from 25MW to 33MW between April and May 2024. In extreme cases, consumption peaks at 42MW, marking a 110% surge compared to warmer months. Furthermore, off-peak consumption has seen a 50% rise from 20MW to 30MW, posing a risk to the network infrastructure if load reduction measures are not promptly enforced.

To complement load reduction, City Power is installing ripple relays to manage electricity supply to geysers during peak hours. These relays, connected to 69 substations, allow the utility to remotely monitor and control high consumption levels, particularly from geysers that can contribute up to 50% of household energy costs.

Illegal connections compound the strain on the already burdened electricity network, with City Power intensifying the crackdown on unauthorized connections and revenue collection operations across Johannesburg. This crackdown aims to relieve system pressure, recover outstanding dues, and deter non-paying customers from using services without payment.

The load reduction schedule is accessible on the City Power website, providing residents with transparent information on the planned disruptions to manage the overwhelming electricity demand.