Question NW3061 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
27 October 2023 - NW3061
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to the rolling out of residential load management projects by Eskom in Gauteng (details furnished), he will provide the cost-benefit calculations of the specified initiative, specifically weighing up the financing of the initiatives against the benefit of pumping the same amount of funds into generation and supply; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) How does Eskom intend to address concerns by users that Eskom is trying to control their electricity usage remotely?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
1. Eskom has been rolling out the residential load management pilot in Gauteng, in areas such as Beverley, Lonehill, Craigavon, Magaliessig, Dainfern Valley, Witkopen, Fourways, and Douglasdale. The load limiting pilot is implemented in areas where customers already have smart meters. Therefore, there are no additional costs associated with the current pilot in the areas mentioned above, as Eskom had already installed smart meters in those areas. Eskom is leveraging functionalities embedded in installed meters for the benefit of both customers and Eskom. Thus, load limiting can be rolled out in all areas with smart meters at no additional cost.
2. Eskom is not aware of any concerns raised by users that are part of the load limiting pilot that Eskom is trying to control their electricity usage remotely. On the contrary, the participants are receiving the programme very well.
Eskom would like to highlight that the purpose of load limiting is not to remotely control the customer’s electricity usage. Load limiting is intended to provide customers with the benefit of using some appliances such as lights, refrigerators, televisions, and Wi-Fi routers, as long as the load remains below 10 Amps during load shedding Stages 1 to 4.
An hour before the start of load shedding, the system prompts customers to reduce their
consumption from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps by sending a message to the customer interface unit (CIU) or cell phone. Customers are provided with four opportunities to reduce their consumption, and thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter automatically switches off the electricity for 30 minutes.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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