The current pilot phase of the residential mass roll out ended on 31 March. More than 165,000 households were reached and Eskom is happy to announce our savings target of 80MW will be exceeded.

Phase 3 of this roll out will commence in the second quarter of this year. New installers are currently being reviewed in Eskom’s commercial process, as soon as installers are successfully contracted, they will be announced here. Please book mark this page and remember to check back regularly for any updates on this free energy saving and load management programme

Contrary to popular belief, saving money on your electricity bill by creating a home with energy efficient technologies is both easy and cost effective. In November last year, Eskom was the proud sponsor of the Waterfall Estate 2012 Century Home Show where 12 show houses were created to demonstrate a “greener” and efficient approach to luxury living.

Following the massive success of the show, which close to 60 000 people attended, Waterfall Country Estate has agreed to allow these energy efficient homes to not only remain unoccupied but to also remain on permanent display (regardless if they have been sold or not) to the general public until the end of March 2013. Should you want to see energy efficiency in action, feel free to contact the Century Property Developments to make an appointment for your private viewing of these award winning, energy efficient homes.

Please switch off

Heed the call. Switch off your geyser and pool pump between 5pm and 9pm. Here’s why ..
Late afternoon to early evening close to 5.4 million electrical element geysers demand approximately 2 940 MW electricity in South Africa. At the same time, nearly 641 000 residential pool pumps demand more than 60 MW.
Astounding figures …

The need for hot water and clean swimming pools in millions of homes across the country places severe pressure on the national grid between 5pm and 9pm, the period of peak demand in South Africa.

The electrical element geyser is so energy hungry that if 5.4 million homeowners would switch it off between 5pm and 9pm, national demand for electricity would plummet by 2 940 MW, enough to free-up five units of a six pack power station or light up a city as big as Durban or Port Elizabeth or Bloemfontein.

Now, if 640 050 pool pumps would be switched off during the same period and conservatively reduce 60 MW , enough to meet the electricity demands of a city like Stellenbosch.

Switching off is all it takes to make a national impact – with zero impact on your life.

Your electrical element geyser will keep water at the thermostat set point for a few hours after switch off, with a marginal drop in temperature of 10ºC over a period of 24 hours if the water is not used. And, the pool pump will keep your swimming pool as clean as ever if set to run for 6 hours instead of 10 outside in summer and only 3 hours during winter of evening period of peak demand.

Declare for yourself that “electrical element geysers and pool pumps are not welcome between 5pm and 9pm”.
It’s that simple to join a national drive towards balancing supply and demand on the national grid during a time of energy constraints in our country, and making South Africa electricity smart and energy efficient.

Between 5pm-9pm geyser is not welcome.

Between 5pm-9pm pool pump is not welcome.

Click the below link to view more information:

• Pool pump and geyser advertorial

Eskom is receiving a number of emails and phone calls from members of the public wishing to complain about street lights burning during the day. Wastage of electricity is of great concern to Eskom and the public’s diligence in identifying and reporting such cases is greatly appreciated.

Eskom has investigated the issue of streetlights that are continuously burning in order to reduce the number of incidences and to provide feedback on enquiries as well as to guide the public on reporting channels

It is important to note that streetlights are not managed by a single authority: streetlights within metropolitan areas are managed by the local municipality, while the national highways (those with an ‘N’ in their naming convention) are managed by SANRAL. Complainants are therefore urged to report any incidence directly to the appropriate managing agent.

The matter of street lights burning on the improved sections of the N1 Highway is of particular concern to Eskom and the public. Eskom has held discussions with SANRAL in this regard.

SANRAL has taken over control of about 20% of the total streetlights on the highway improvement project, with the remainder still being in the hands of the contractors. SANRAL’s 20% of streetlights have been equipped with timer switches, improved photocell technology and protective alarm systems to prevent, amongst others cable theft and vandalism. These lights are switched off during the day.

The remaining 80% are controlled by the contractors who are burning the lights continuously in order to prevent cable theft prior to project completion.

Past experience has demonstrated a very high occurrence of theft and vandalism where lights were switched off in those phases where all protective measurements are not yet operational or have not yet been installed. Since not all the protective measures are installed on the lights within the phases still in the hand of the contractors, the risk of theft and vandalism is apparently too high to force the contractors to switch off these lights.

Municipalities have echoed the concern with lost or damaged property associated with switching off unprotected streetlights. They have stressed, however, that in certain instances streetlights might be burning due to technology failure and that the responsible authority might not be aware of it. They have therefore requested the public to immediately report incidences of burning streetlights to the municipality. This will enable them to investigate the problem and, where required, to replace or upgrade technology.

SANRAL have committed to activate timer switches on each phase on the date of take-over from the contractor.

We are optimistic that the scourge of burning streetlights in daylight hours will be eliminated shortly.

South Africans have indicated that they want to play their part in reducing pressure on the national grid but are not sure where to start. We are therefore trying to educate as many people as possible about two very simple but important actions to take this winter.

Eskom has initiated a communication campaign to educate the general public as to what people can do this winter to help. It comprises a television-, radio-, print adverts and advertorials, plus a national coffee stand at public events and expos.

South Africa’s electricity supply is already extremely tight and with the cold weather pushing the demand up, Eskom is expecting some serious strain on the system. The utility is doing all it can to manage supply so that it doesn’t have incidents where it can’t meet the country’s energy demands, but, your help is needed.

Please take these two simple actions this winter:

1. If you’re not using it, switch it off
2. Switch off geysers between 5 – 9pm

The highest risk on the constrained system is at evening peak, which is between 5 – 9pm. This is the time when millions of people increase their consumption simultaneously by e.g. switching on electrical appliances for cooking, heating water and rooms, or for entertainment. While these day-to-day functions are unavoidable, it is completely unnecessary to keep your geyser on over this period of time.

Your geyser consumes the most energy in the home, and yet it can be switched off at peak time but still provide enough hot water for your requirements. The simple action of switching off your geyser has a significant impact.

Unnecessary energy is also consumed by electrical appliances that are left on when they are not being used for specific purposes. For example, keeping lights and heaters on in unoccupied rooms, or leaving Hi-Fi, DVD, computers and televisions on stand-by mode – as they still consume up to 50% of the energy they would have consumed if operational… Furthermore, if possible, use dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines after 9pm or at midday.

You can also conserve energy at peak time, but also as a daily practice, by using it wisely. For instance, reducing heat loss means you have to use less energy to keep something warm, such as a room, a body of water or even your body. Insulating your geyser and water pipes, walls and roof, and preventing warm air from escaping out of rooms, will go a long way in reducing your overall energy consumption. Not only will you reduce pressure on the system, by you will also save money by not wasting energy.

Try the following energy saving tips:

• Before using a heater, keep warm in-front of the television by covering yourself with a blanket or by snuggling up with a hot water bottle. Or put on an extra jersey.
• Use your microwave to cook rather than your oven – it’s quicker and lighter on energy.
• Block spaces underneath doors and around windows – keep that hot air in
• Take a shower instead of bathing

Then why not use the money you have saved by conserving energy to invest in these energy efficient solutions:

• Instead of putting a heater on in your bedroom, use an electric blanket as it consumes less energy. Turn it on high for a few minutes just before you get into bed and off once you’re between the covers. But don’t leave it on overnight.
• Replace your electric geyser with a solar water heater or a heat pump.
• Change your shower heads to ones with an efficient version
• Swap incandescent light bulbs for Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Hard? Not at all – it’s actually quite easy to alleviate pressure on the system. In fact, in most cases it’s as simple as a flick of a switch.

So do your bit this winter and encourage your friends and family to be part of the solution too. You have the potential to put the ball in motion towards getting 49 million people to remember their power

• If you’re not using an appliance, switch it off.
• A geyser uses 39% of all household electricity; switch it off to save electricity and money.
• Insulate geysers and water pipes as this will help the water to stay hot for longer. Reduce the maximum temperature setting for your geyser/ thermostat, to 60ºC and instead of a long bath rather shower, as showers use less water and energy. Energy and water-saving shower heads use less water and electricity.
• Use energy saving globes (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs.
• Don’t leave TVs, DVD players and other electrical equipment in stand-by mode – rather switch them off completely.
• The same can be said for plug points and adaptors that hold cell phone chargers or bed side bulbs.
• To save money in your kitchen close fridge doors as quickly as possible when taking items out – do not leave the door open for longer than necessary.
• Keep room temperatures between 18ºC and 22ºC and wear warm clothes and use hot water bottles and avoid using heaters.

Click on the link below to view our virtual tour for more top saving tips:

• Virtual tour with more top saving tips

To come up with an effective power saving campaign at home, you need to know exactly how much electricity you use. This is a very simple calculation; your electricity bill will give you the details of what your tariff is. From there, the next step is to work out how much power each household appliance uses – and its subsequent impact on your monthly bill. This is pretty easy – the wattage is usually printed on the back of an appliance or is included in its packaging. Get this wattage and multiply it by how long the appliance is switched on for in an average month. This figure tells you how much electricity the appliance uses in a month. Dividing the figure from the total number of kilowatt-hours used-as seen on your electricity bill- will give you the portion of your monthly energy that the appliance uses.

For example: A 200W appliance used for 80 hours a month. Total electricity use is 200 x 80 = 16 000W or 16kWh.
Consideration of the following measures will also contribute towards increased energy efficiency in your home)

Click here to go to our online calculators

In order to save even more power and money, you can install solar water heating, using the power of the sun to heat your water.
Reduce hot water consumption with energy and water-saving shower heads, self-closing hot water taps or mixing valves and flow restrictors and aerators in sink taps.

Harnessing the power of the sun

Changing to Energy Saver lights (also known as Compact Fluorescent Bulbs/CFLs)

Microwave oven tips

Refrigeration and freezing tips

Staying warm in winter and insulation tips

Running your dishwasher efficiently tips

Small appliance tips

Automatic washing machines and tumble dryer tips

Ironing tips

Energy and water saving shower heads tips

Electric stove tips

New Power Alert system on SABC and eTV now also on DStv

Eskom’s new look, easy to respond to Power Alert System for the homeowner will now, in addition to SABC and eTV, also be displayed on selected DStv programmes.

With South Africa an energy challenged country, imagine yourself being able to partner with Eskom in a social movement towards saving electricity and achieving an energy efficient South Africa.

The new Power Alert system has been developed to enable you to do just that!

A familiar presence on SABC and eTV now expanded to DStv, the Power Alert system is a critical component in supplying you with real time information about what is happening on the national grid on any particular night – summer through autumn, winter and spring.

It is also an important tool that enables Eskom to maintain an open and frank communication with you on the status of the power system.

Late afternoon to mid-evening – 5 to 9 pm – is the period of peak electricity demand in South Africa. People arrive home from work and start their evening routines by taking a bath and turning on everything – the lights, climate control systems, televisions, microwave ovens, stoves, dishwashers and tumble dryers.

And working quietly out of sight, the two hungriest appliances in and around the home – hot water geysers and pool pumps – adds their huge appetite for electricity on top of the big evening switch-on.

To get real time information on the status of our national grid go to: www.poweralert.co.za for more info.

Please only allow installers who are wearing white t-shirts with the wording “Free CFL distribution project” printed on. They will also have Eskom identity cards with their photo and id number on. Do not allow anyone else into your home.

News on Eskom’s residential mass roll out, which saw the roll out of free energy efficient technologies to homeowners in a pilot phase earlier this year, follows.

The second phase of this programme has been cancelled. One supplier however, Karebo Systems, did successfully obtain a contract and is going to roll out until Dec 2012. Preparation are underway to ready the third phase of RMR, tender documents and processes are being finalised and once ready will be made available on the Eskom tender bulletin on the Eskom website. (not Eskom IDM website).

As soon as the third phase for the programme is open, a call for tenders will be done, using tender advertisements in the media.

What is the programme about?

The government has set a target for renewable energy to contribute 10 000 giga watt hours (GWh) of final energy consumption by 2013. Solar water heating could contribute up to 23% towards this target.

Solar power is one of the most effective renewable energy sources available. By implementing it in water heating, we can target one of the most power-intensive household activities for maximum power saving effect.

To actively encourage and promote the widespread implementation of solar water heating, Eskom has rolled out a large-scale solar water heating programme. This programme will assist you when buying an SABS tested solar water heater to replace your conventional geyser.

In addition to the rebate that you will receive upon installation of solar water heating, many insurance companies are now allowing you to put your claim value towards a solar system or are offering solar water heaters as replacement in the event of a burst geyser.

• Solar Water Heating suppliers list

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

Eskom urges homeowners to service their solar water heating systems twice a year following change to SABS standard.

Homeowners who have installed solar water heaters with mechanical dump valves are urged by Eskom to service their systems at least twice a year to ensure they are protected against frost and freezing.

Homeowners looking to install a new solar water heating system are advised to make sure a mechanical dump valve is not used when their system is installed.

This follows a recent update to the South African Bureau of Standards’ (SABS) standard for solar water heating system installations. The updated version, South African National Standards (SANS) 1307, indicates mechanical dumps valves do not have adequate freeze protection and could be at risk of failing or becoming unsafe. The use of mechanical dump valves in solar water heating system installations is now prohibited by the SABS.

Andrew Etzinger, Senior General Manager, Integrated Demand Management department, Eskom, said: “Although certain systems that use the mechanical dump valve passed the SABS freeze test, they do not provide adequate freeze protection if they have been incorrectly installed, are exposed to chlorine build-up, or are not correctly maintained.

“Homeowners who have already installed systems that use the mechanical dump valves need to ensure frequent maintenance is carried out; these systems must be serviced by a qualified technician at least twice a year. If regular, twice annual, maintenance is carried out, there is no cause for concern over the safety and performance of these systems.

“Homeowners should check with their installers whether a mechanical dump valve was used in their installations; it is also important for people who are considering installing a solar water heating system to be aware of the new SABS standard and ensure a mechanical dump valve is not used,” said Etzinger.

All installers registered with Eskom’s rebate programme for solar water heating systems have been advised of the update to SANS 1307, and will not be permitted to use mechanical dump valves in any future installation. Only systems that have passed SABS testing and comply with SANS 1307 for safety, and thermal and mechanical performance, qualify for the Eskom Rebate Programme.

Any South African citizen can apply for a discount on the purchase of a solar water heating system through Eskom’s rebate programme for the homeowner; to qualify for a rebate, homeowners must purchase an SABS-approved system from an installer accredited with Eskom’s rebate programme.

Detailed information is available on this page under “Solar water heating supplier list”.

Important information concerning Eskom’s Solar Water Heating rebate programme
A rebate programme for the installation of Solar Water Heaters (SWH’s) was introduced in 2008 to encourage South Africans to switch to solar water heating. In so doing, homeowners reduce their water heating costs, reduce pressure on the national electricity grid and reduce pressure on the environment associated with coal fired power stations.

The ‘low pressure’ rebate programme is being wound down in favour of a contractual route in which a ‘mass roll out’ of SWH’s will be undertaken in designated areas. Under the rebate programme the areas for installation are decided by the installer and are not pre-determined by the Department of Energy, Eskom or the Municipality. Under the contracts programme, the DOE and municipalities will identify areas within which system installations are to be undertaken. The contract programme is expected to commence in June 2013.

As part of the low pressure rebate winding down process, participating installers will have until the end of May 2013 to install 250 low pressure SWH’s in homes with electric geysers. It is very important to note that a strict process is to be followed when applying for, and installing, the Solar Water Heaters. The process may be summarised as follows:

• Participating installers approach home owners to establish interest in having a Solar Water Heater installed
• A list of homes on which SWH are to be installed is submitted to Eskom’s Solar Water Heating department

Submissions are considered, and participants are given approval in writing to install a specific number of systems. In order to wind down the rebate programme, no approvals are signed off after 28 February 2013. A further month’s grace period, to 31 March, is however given to companies having at least 51% Black Women Ownership or 51% Black Youth Ownership

All approved installations are to be completed by 31 May 2013 and all claims must reach Deloitte offices by 14 June 2013 at 5PM. Claim forms must be addressed to: Eskom SWH Rebate Programme – LP Geyser replacement programme. GPS coordinates of installed systems must be included on the rebate claim forms

For more information please contact the Solar Water Heating team at the contact details below:

Hlengiwe Ntimba	General supplier queries and process queries HP geyser/load replacements	ntimbah@eskom.co.za
Shouwneez Lorgat	Log Complaints – customer and supplier	LorgatS@eskom.co.za
IDM Helpdesk	All SWH related queries	solar@eskom.co.za

The Department of Energy and Eskom reserve the right to amend the SWH programme rules from time to time as is deemed necessary.
The high pressure SWH rebate programme will remain unchanged until further notice.

Below is a quick step-by-step guide to choosing a supplier and a system, and getting a rebate:

1. Go to our Supplier page to see which suppliers and products are registered with the programme.
2. Contact a supplier in your area.
3. Have them recommend a system to you, based on your home, family size, usage patterns, location and budget.
4. Confirm that the system you choose will qualify for a rebate (not all systems being sold by suppliers will).
5. Follow the normal sales procedure with your chosen supplier.
6. Ensure your old electric geyser is disabled.
7. Complete and sign the required documentation.
8. Submit the required rebate forms in the supplied envelope to the facilitating auditors.
9. You will receive SMS progress reports on your claim.

In order to assist you further in choosing a solar water heating system as well as a registered installer, we have also provided a system choice checklist:

• Click here to view the checklist.

Click here to go to the supplier database with all registered supplier details.

Customers who have complaints can also direct or send their queries to the solar industry ombudsman on email ombudsman@sessa.org.za

*Note to potential solar buyers – please be sure to check back on this website regularly to ensure that your chosen supplier is still registered on the programme, as suppliers are de-registered from time to time.*

When you install your solar water heater you will receive a rebate from ESKOM. We are using an international best practice model for rebates where you pay the full installation price and claim back the rebate amount from the facilitating auditors.
To claim your rebate, all you need to do is submit a claim form; provided to you by your registered supplier/installer. Note that in order to claim a rebate you must install a registered system and use a registered installer.

Both you and the supplier must complete the claim form and it must be signed off by a qualified electrician. You submit your claim to the programme facilitating auditors that oversee the payments. You can either post it or drop it in designated drop-boxes at Deloitte offices. You will receive your rebate within 8 weeks of receipt of your completed claim.You can read more on how the rebate system works here.

How the rebate is calculated:
Each system tested by the SABS receives a system rating (Q-factor), which indicates the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity it is expected to save on a typical day (as determined by the SABS test). All solar water heating systems included in the programme have a SABS thermal test report indicating the system’s ability to produce hot water. The rebate is calculated based on these test results – but it also takes into account the affordability of systems and attempts to provide consumers with a five year payback period.

The (rebate formulae) calculation factors in the prime interest rate and projected electricity tariff increases. This formula allows one to compare same-sized systems to each other – based on consumption assumptions. Please note that the rebate value will be reduced at the start of each new year, based on market influences.

Only high quality solar water heating systems have been approved for installation as part of the programme. The system must have a SABS conformity certificate and full test reports on its thermal capabilities and its mechanical and safety soundness. It must be installed according to predetermined conditions.

To screen possible unscrupulous suppliers from the programme, Eskom has appointed facilitating auditors to audit registered suppliers.

The minimum guarantee that suppliers on this programme offer, is 5 years. Some suppliers might have longer guarantees on certain components of their systems; you will need to discuss this with your supplier, although this will not affect the length of the overall system guarantee.

Please Note that suppliers must issue you with their guarantee certificate and conditions, operation and maintenance plan when they install your system.

Step by step guide to choosing a solar water heating system

*Dear ESCO’s please note that the Aggregated Standard Product (ASP) is now open till Dec 2012 and call for proposals has begun thank you*

Aggregated Standard Product programme

For industrial, commercial and agricultural business owners

Eskom is offering another funding option under the existing Standard Product programme namely the Aggregated Standard Offer programme. This offer is exciting and will afford the industrial, commercial and energy intensive agricultural sectors of the market the wonderful opportunity, to have installed, at a rebated amount, a list of approved energy saving technologies.

Watch this space! This programme is brand new, and as soon as Eskom has awarded contracts to project developers, their project offers plus the details of their specific roll outs and geographic footprint will be posted here.

Eskom intends this programme to operate until December 2015 or while funds last so industrialists, commercial sites and energy intensive agricultural facilities are encouraged to enquire how you can get the benefit of this programme via registered project developers.

The programme, as with the Standard Product, still has technical, commercial and financial requirements. Technical auditors will do checks on installations at certain sites and energy savings will still have be independently audited by NERSA approved measurement and verification teams. Technologies offered for rebate have to abide with a minimum technical specification provided, in line with local or international product standards and must be accompanied with relevant supplier guarantee/ replacement warrantees.

Any company interested to being part of an aggregated standard product project can e mail standardproduct@eskom.co.za for information. (To facilitate the rapid response to your reply, please put the words “aggregated standard product” in the subject line of your e mail.

For the project developer

Under the banner of the already established Standard Product funding mechanism, the Aggregated Standard Product programme will afford you, the registered Esco/project developer, the opportunity to bring a basket of individual projects (of less than 100kW each), making up a project that has a combined basket total of 1MW to 5MW, to Eskom via a simple approval process.

This programme will enable you to use the new aggregated standard product toolkit and take a financial assistance offer to the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors of the market, and in so doing, stimulate the bulk replacement of approved standard product technologies.

Potential project developers who are Eskom vendors, are financially able to cash flow their proposed projects and who are willing to propose targets for the localisation of their contract spend, skills development, and job creation are welcome to apply to register projects under this Aggregated Standard Product programme. Once a project developer has provided all his details, including the commercial documents such as shareholders and directorships, tax clearance, skills development and financial stability a short process of approval puts them on the road to implementation.

If you are an Esco or a potential project developer and would like to know more, please review the easy to follow Aggregated Standard Product programme “How to guide” . Our programme guide has been compiled to specifically assist you, every step of the way, and answers many of the questions you may have. All the benefits, requirements and pre-requisites are detailed for you including an easy proposal template, which you can use to submit your proposals to Eskom. See the print list below.

Eskom invites you to be part of this new exciting offer.

Any questions you may have can be forwarded to the Aggregated Standard Product programme team by simply e mailing the team. Cick here to email(please be sure to include Aggregated Standard Product in your subject line for ease of reply).

*Dear ESCO’s please note that the Aggregated Standard Product (ASP) is now open till Dec 2012 and call for proposals has begun thank you*

Print the required programme document here:

1. Aggregated Standard Product How to guide
2. Project proposal template
3. Annexure C – Supplier development and localisation proposal matrix template
4. Toolkit
5. Annexure A – Declaration of interest
6. Annexure B – Authorisation form
7. Annexure D – SDL Obligations schedule
8. Aggregted Standard Product Contract

Want to know the differences between the Residential Mass Roll Out programme and the Aggregated Standard Product? Click here to find out.

Propose a project for approval today…
e mail: standardproduct@eskom.co.za

The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) is dedicated to the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies including solar water heaters, heat pumps and green energy industries like bioenergy, wind to hydro.

Run by an independent national office, the SESSA solar water heating division is aligned strategically with Eskom to support the solar rebate programme. Choosing Eskom registered suppliers and installers means you are choosing SESSA registered suppliers, ensuring that accepted norms and standards are maintained for your installation.

As the solar industry watchdog, supported by an ombudsman, SESSA enforces quality control and a code of conduct amongst its members and the sector at large.

In the event of consumer concerns relating to solar installations and supplier conduct, SESSA will gladly assist consumers to ensure that the benefits of investing in renewable technologies like solar water heating are realised by the end-user.

SESSA endeavours to educate end-users about the benefits of adopting energy-saving technologies as well as encouraging the development of a sustainable and successful low carbon society.

SESSA Facebook page
SESSA Twitter page
SESSA website

Contact
011 513 4071 (Johannesburg)
021 526 0353 (Western Cape)

Email addresses at SESSA:

ambassador@sessa.org.za
ombudsman@sessa.org.za
robin.thomson@sessa.org.za

1. Executive summary

As part of its overall demand reduction strategy, Eskom IDM is implementing a Residential Load Management (RLM) programme countrywide. This entails fitting ripple or radio control receivers or units to geysers installed in the homes of consumers. The units will be monitored and controlled by the relevant local authority’s control centre, using either a radio or ripple-based communication system. This will allow the supply of electricity to the geysers to be switched off during periods of peak demand, thus reducing the total electrical load. Public awareness and consumer relations are key factors affecting the successful implementation of the RLM project.

2. Project communications strategy

Preliminary research indicates that local consumers are generally unaware of the benefits of and reasons for the load control projects. A well-planned targeted communication strategy will be implemented to avoid dissatisfaction, misinformation and/or hostility on the part of consumers. The following risks have been identified:

• A sense that consumers are losing control over their own appliances
• A reluctance to see the need for long-term savings while there are no direct benefits to individual consumers

Objections raised against a system being imposed on residents by local authorities
Security considerations, due to the need for ESCo workers to enter homes in order to install the system
Questions concerning the capacity of local authorities to manage the system properly.

A dual approach is therefore recommended, with the communication campaign having two main objectives:

• To obtain buy-in from the community and other stakeholders
• To inform residential consumers regarding all relevant aspects of the project, and in particular addressing the issues identified above.

The target public has been identified as being the high LSM local consumers (LSM 5-10), with further target audiences including Eskom regional offices, local authorities (political and technical audiences), the media, the M&E centre, ESCos and enabling stakeholders on local level.

The communications framework includes the following techniques:

• Direct communication, networking and stakeholder management
• Publicity and mass media
• Information distribution (pamphlets, posters, notifications, stickers, trailer advertising, exhibitions)
• Advertising / advertorials
• Electronic communication (e-mails and weblinks)
• Call Centre training and support
• SMS communication

3. eMalahleni project

The eMalahleni / Eskom RLM project will be implemented from 1 October 2012 – end of June 2013. The Energy Services Company is Yaetsho. A total of 45 000 ripple control units will be installed in the eMalahleni area.

4. Enquiries

Should you require further information please contact our call centre on: 087 940 4554

CONTACT CENTRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – RESIDENTIAL LOAD MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN
(SYNONYMS: LOAD CONTROL, LOAD SHIFTING, GEYSER LOAD CONTROL OR LOAD REDUCTION)

Q1	What is IDM?	In response to the energy challenges facing South Africa, Eskom has established an Integrated Demand Management (IDM) division. IDM is dedicated to ensuring short-term security of electricity supply through coordinating and consolidating the various initiatives aimed at optimising energy use and balancing electricity supply and demand. A key aspect of this demand side management programme is the promotion and implementation of more energy-efficient technologies, processes and behaviours amongst all consumers. A central focus of IDM is a series of large-scale Demand Side Management programmes. One of these is called Demand Reduction (DR) where the system operator pays customers to reduce load on instruction to balance demand and supply. Residential Load Management is one of the programmes that are currently implemented by IDM.
Q2	What does the Residential Load Management mean / entail?	Residential Load Management is aimed specifically at the residential sector, in other words, consumers at home. Geysers account for between 30% and 50% of the electricity consumption in a household and they are therefore currently the focus of RLM. RLM involves the connection of ripple control units (or relays) to geysers, allowing them to be switched on and off by remote control.
Q3	Why do we need this programme?	Eskom’s residential customers consume around 17,5% of the total electricity generated, with their demand at peak periods amounting to over 30%. Helping residential customers to manage their electricity requirements better will have a significant impact on the overall demand for energy, while also achieving cost benefits for the consumer.
Q4	How does it work?	A small control unit (relay) is installed in the home of the customer. This unit will switch off the supply to the geyser during peak demand periods for a predetermined period. Groups of geysers will be controlled and monitored centrally from the local Municipal Energy Centre by means of a radio or/and ripple based communication system. The Centre will also take care of all customer queries.
Q5	Will I still be able draw hot water from the geyser when it is switched off?	The load control system will switch off the power supply to the geyser only during peak periods. Even when the power has been switched off, the water stored in the geyser should be sufficiently hot to cater for normal water usage.
Q6	What are the advantages of a remote-controlled relay system?	The temperature of a geyser is normally controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat continually switches the heating element on and off depending on the amount of water that must be heated. The relay system switches the heating element off during times when the electricity consumption of the country is high.
Q7	What does the Residential Load Management (RLM) team need from me?	A qualified electrician from an Energy Services Company (ESCo) will require access to each home in order to install the relay enclosures. Properly identified people will do the work. Please do not provide access to persons not in possession of authentic identification.
Q8	How do I benefit?	The system will help to reduce the peak electrical load at times of maximum demand Expansion of the generation, transmission and distribution system networks will not be necessary in the short term. The need to operate costly hydro-electrical or gas plants to cater for these peak periods is eliminated Implementing the system will help to reduce tariff increases to a minimum.
Q9	How does the municipality benefit?	If the municipality does not have to upgrade its electricity supply systems to accommodate higher consumption at peak periods, then the costs associated with these upgrades will not be passed onto the consumers. It will also lead to better management and optimisation of current infrastructure to improve service delivery to customers.
Q10	Who is responsible for the installation of the system?	Eskom finances the capital and operational costs of the system with the costs being recovered by way of savings through network expansion and better utilization of generating capacity.
Q11	What about security?	Electricians authorised to carry out the installation of the control systems will be issued with appropriate identity cards; householders should demand that anybody claiming to be an electricians working for or on behalf of Eskom should produce his or her card before entering the property.
Q12	What happens if the system breaks down and who is responsible for maintenance?	if the relay should develop a fault, it will be the responsibility of the Municipality together with a preferred contractor (ESCo) to repair or replace it. The consumer will not have to bear the costs of repairs or replacement.
Q13	How much is saved?	The customer does not save anything. The municipality saves by shifting the load from peak times to standard and /or off-peak times and so produces a lower electricity bill to the customer. The amount saved is between R150.00 and R190.00 per switch annually, on the Eskom MegaFlex tariff.
Q14	What is a megawatt?	A megawatt (abbreviation – MW) is a unit of power equal to 1 million watts. A typical household geyser uses between 2 kW and 3 kW of power. In other words, if 500 geysers, each 2 kW, are on, they will consume 1 MW.

Click on each of the below documents to view more information:

• Emalahleni car decal
• Emalahleni leaflet
• Emalahleni “Not at home” card – English
• Emalahleni “Not at home” card Afrikaans
• Emalahleni notice letter
• Emalahleni poster
• Emalahleni pull up banner
• Emalahleni t-shirt branding
• Emalahleni ID card

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) offer consumers lighting through lamps that have a longer life and consume considerably less energy than conventional incandescent globes. As part of their strategy to introduce these globes, Eskom embarked on and completed a national programme to exchange incandescent globes with CFLs in selected areas.
Since the programme began in 2004 more than 40 million CFLs have been exchanged for incandescent globes. The national programme has reached all the provinces in South Africa, selecting areas of highest electricity constraint and ease of roll out.
The programme has saved in excess of 1 000 MW and will continue to reduce the energy demand from the household sector.

Currently there are no exchanges running, neither door to door or at self exchange points.

Thank you to all the South-Africans, in small towns and in big, in rural and in urban areas, who participated in the Eskom CFL roll out programme.
Together we have saved more than 1 000 megawatts, and by using CFL’s in future you will continue to save.

General FAQs about CFLs

Contact information

Heating household water contributes to about 40% of all household electricity consumed. Showering with high efficiency shower heads can save more than half of this energy (and as much water) to the advantage of the householder and the environment especially since South Africa being such an arid country and under energy and water shortage circumstances. While these shower heads have been in use in the USA and Australia for about 30 years, they are relatively new in South Africa. The shower heads employ the latest laminar flow technology; instead of aerating or ‘turbulence’ technology. Once you have replaced your traditional shower head with the new shower heads, the new shower heads will probably pay for themselves within three months. A family of four, showering with an efficient shower head for a total of 20 minutes per day, can save more than R100 per month in electricity and water costs and there will be enough hot water for everyone! Water and energy efficient showerheads are excellent for use together with solar water heating systems.

Energy and water saving shower head supplier list

Eskom has developed various solutions to minimise load shedding, one of these is a pilot of load limiting technology in the Lonehill and Fourways areas in Johannesburg.

Specific streets and complexes within these areas have been invited to participate in the pilot project which aims to test load limiting technology in order to avoid the need for load shedding. Residents were asked to participate and in so doing assist in minimising the possibility and inconvenience of load shedding.

The pilot project, being implemented by Eskom IDM in conjunction with Eskom Research and Innovation Department (ERID) and EON Consulting, is part of a rigorous programme to assess the effectiveness of new load limiting technology in controlling residential demand. If successful, and based on the feedback from the selected area’s participants, the technology may be rolled out nationally.

Load Limit Technology

This brand new technology will allow Eskom to limit the amount of electricity supplied to households during high-constraint periods. By stabilising the electricity network in this way, load shedding can then be avoided.

The technology also provides residential consumers with a practical tool (free of charge) for monitoring and controlling their electricity consumption. This tool or display device can be plugged into any wall socket in the home. The display device can be moved from one room to another. By switching electrical appliances on and off they can see, in real time, how their total consumption varies. Residents are thus empowered to make their own decisions about how to reduce their household’s demand for electricity.

The electricity demand display instrument or eddi that participating residents receives, shows the real-time demand of the various electrical appliances at work in each individual household. The supply of electricity to participating households will only be limited during load limiting periods. The load limits will be based on the power reductions required by Eskom’s National Control Centre to maintain the stability of the electricity network.

The pilot participants have the choice as to which appliances to use during load limit periods during the 10 day pilot period. As long as they comply with the required load limit set during the pilot period, they will not be load shed.

When a household does not comply with the load limit that was set during the pilot, that individual house is load shed. Participants are granted 3 chances to comply with the requested load limit.

Households complying with the load limit within a set timeframe will receive the lower level of power until the restriction is lifted by Eskom. After a load limiting period has ended, full power is automatically restored to that household.

How does the Electricity Demand Display Instrument (eddi) work?

Click here to read more about eddi

Progress during 2009

Cycle 1 of the load limiting pilot period took place 26 Oct to 6 Nov 2009.

During the load limiting periods (2hours a day only and not over the week end) customers had the opportunity to experience how their display unit or eddi assists them in reducing their consumption to the required load limit.

They could also familiarise themselves with sending a blank sms and re-connecting their own power (with no human intervention) if they were unable to comply with the load limit. Participants were given 3 opportunities to comply to the limit. If they still did not comply to the limit set for that period, their power would be cut until the load limit period ends. Their power was automatically fully restored after a load limit period ended – whether they adhered to the limit or not.

The load limits set was irrespective of size of dwelling, amount of occupants or previous electricity usage. All participants experienced the same limit.
An independent behavioural study was conducted by the University of the Free State by means of telephonic questionnaires before as well as after the load limiting period. Based on the findings it can be concluded that the pilot group:

• experienced the display device (eddi) in a very positive way
• consumer behaviour quickly adapted to the display device
• demonstrated a greater awareness of electricity consumption after using eddi
• demonstrated confidence in using eddi
• firmly believe that they can save on electricity by using the display device
• will use eddi as an alternative to load shedding
• will encourage the roll-out of the display device

Progress during 2010

• Upgrade to system

Customers residing in selected complexes and streets in the Lonehill area (Gauteng) were contacted during March 2010 to collect their eddi and become part of a second pilot cycle of load limiting.

The technical lessons learnt, as a result of the 2 pilot periods, accumulated in an upgrade of the load limiting system so as to ensure continuous improvement of the technology. These technical improvements however meant an upgrade of the display device (or eddi) as well.

• Eddi Swap out

The swap out of eddi is planned from November 2010. All participants with an eddi will be notified how and where to obtain an improved eddi. Participants can then keep the display device. They will then own a tool to manage their energy usage, and subsequently have the opportunity to save on their electricity bill.

• Distribution box upgrades

In addition, distribution box upgrades were done in the Fourways, Dainfern, Douglasdale and Magaliessig areas (Gauteng) during 2010 to accommodate the load management system.

• Metros

City Power, eThekwini and Cape Town Municipality have also been approached during 2010 and customers in specific selected pilot sites are joining the Load Management Pilot.

If you are interested to know more about the pilot, kindly contact Aret le Roux via email at Lrouxar@eskom.co.za

Your safety is our priority. At no point in the installation process will access to participants’ homes be required. Residents in the pilot area should not allow anyone claiming to be from Eskom into their homes. Furthermore, certified installation technicians installing back-end technology in the substations in the area will be clearly identified by ID cards