Eskom’s drive towards energy efficiency needs the support of all
24 February 2012: Many South Africans may believe the power outages of 2008 – the year we all became aware of the fact that electricity is a scare national resource that should be used prudently – is a thing of the past. Eskom, in its drive to maintain open and regular communication with South African homeowners and the business sector, has been saying for the past three years that the system is still very much constrained, and that 2012 would be a particularly difficult year.
It is an undisputed fact that demand pressure on the national grid – triggered by ten years of robust economic growth – is still with us and remains significant. This will continue until new energy generation capacity – primarily the Medupi and Kusile projects – are completed and contributing to the national grid.
In the meantime, the projected supply deficit will continue, making it essential for Eskom and all electricity consumers – both the business sector and the homeowner – to examine all opportunities for reducing their energy demands and helping optimise the use of Eskom’s existing supply capacity.
Eskom is leading a national drive to promote energy efficiency through large-scale roll-outs of energy efficiency rebate programmes tailor-made for all customers.
Focusing on the entire spectrum of electricity users – from private homes, guest houses, residential estates, factories and manufacturing plants to retail chains, car dealerships, financial institutions, commercial properties, office parks and farms – the programmes focus on identifying and promoting more efficient ways to use electricity, and switching over to energy efficient technologies.
Eskom examines all sides of the solution to help the various sectors achieve their savings. Whether the demand is for energy efficient lighting systems, hot water systems, building management systems or process optimisation systems, Eskom has developed tailor-made answers.
Achievements
Demand management projects began in 2003 and have resulted in significant benefits. There have been savings of 11 474 thousand tons of coal, which equates to an environmental benefit of CO2 emissions being reduced by almost 21 036 thousand tons. Electricity savings are nearly 21 249.48 GWh whilst 29 749.27 mega litres less water has been used.
In the residential sector most savings have been achieved through the implementation of mass roll-out campaigns to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. By the end of the 2010/2011 financial year these campaigns achieved installing more than 47 million CFLs in homes nationwide, reducing demand by 1,958 MW. To put this in perspective, a municipality such as Bloemfontein uses 323 MW of power.
Solar water heating is a well-established technology and the solar rebate programme for the residential sector has been running since 2008; an impressive total of 183,000 rebate claim requests have been received to date.
Successful industrial and mining projects have brought about 527 MW or 1,400 GWh in savings since 2003.
Eskom’s energy efficiency projects in its own buildings alone resulted in a reduction in energy consumption of 25, 5 GWh in 2011; this project is also spread across improvements in thermal efficiency at power plants and reduction of transmission and distribution line losses.
In the commercial sector retailers, banks, motor companies, hospitality facilities, clinics, hospitals, commercial property owners, hotels and the hospitality industry at large have been exposed to “green” workshops and conferences” and have, as a result, partnered with Eskom to ensure sustainable energy savings.
“Creating energy efficiency ambassadors” road shows have seen information being shared on business premises; subsequent energy savings in offices and homes were the immediate result. To date, more than 50 corporations have formally partnered with Eskom on the national energy efficiency drive.
Assistance with ‘in-house’ programmes in businesses is encouraged by Eskom providing appropriate energy efficiency rebate programmes material.
An essential addition to the energy efficiency marketing and communications campaign has been the Power Alert system, an interactive media control system aimed at the residential sector and empowering the public to assist in reducing electricity usage on weekdays between the critical time of 17:00 to 21:00; a familiar presence on SABC and eTV, the Power Alert is also now on display on DStv.
New initiatives
The requirement to sustain savings drives has seen Eskom design and implement five funding models and a market participation scheme to address various market sectors and target audiences, and encourage the adoption of energy efficiency technologies, particularly in the commercial sector.
These models include a rebate model structured around an incentive scheme; a Standard Product for customers with a potential load saving of between 1kW to 100kW; a Standard Offer for customers with a potential load saving of 50kW to 5MW; an ESCo model targeted at specialists in energy efficiency of 100kW or more; and Performance Contracting, which entails purchasing bulk verified energy savings across multiple sites and technologies by contracting with a single project developer.
The Demand Market Participation scheme, where companies are asked to reduce demand at short notice and, in return, receive pre-determined and agreed funding for this reduction, will soon be announcing the addition of the energy market aggregator.
Into the future
With pressure on the power system continuing, the need to ensure that all South Africans contribute to saving electricity will see Eskom continuing to identify and develop energy saving mechanisms.
Exactly how successful they will be revolves around the commitment of South Africans to support this vital cause and join a national drive towards a more energy efficient South Africa.
Residential Load Management
CONTACT CENTRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – RESIDENTIAL LOAD MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN
(SYNONYMS: LOAD CONTROL, LOAD SHIFTING, GEYSER LOAD CONTROL OR LOAD REDUCTION)
| Q1 | What does Residential Load Management (RLM) / load control mean? | RLM is a programme that is currently being implemented by local authorities (municipalities) and Eskom to manage the demand for electricity specifically during peak demand periods. It involves the connection of radio or/and ripple control units (or relays) to geysers, allowing them to be switched on and off by remote control.
It is an efficient means of managing the load on the supply network, while minimising any inconvenience to consumers. |
| Q2 | What is a radio / ripple control unit? | Also called a geyser load control receiver or relay, the unit is installed next to or inside the electrical distribution board in a customer’s home. |
| Q3 | Why is RLM necessary and what are the benefits? | If peak demand can be reduced, the existing capacity of the electricity supply network will be used more efficiently – simply because consumers would be using what is already available, without the need for additional power to be generated. This would make load shedding less likely – and if the load needs to be reduced (due to overloading or a technical fault in the national grid), it may be possible to avid blackouts by only switching off the geysers. |
| Q4 | How does the system work? | The geyser load control unit switches off the power supply to the geyser. After a short while, the geyser is switched on again. |
| Q5 | How is the system installed? | An installer or technician will visit your home to install the geyser. You will receive a notification (official letter of the municipality) beforehand to explain the process. The installation will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Please also look out for posters in your area to explain the process as well as a pamphlet that will be left in your home after installation. |
| Q6 | Who qualifies to receive such a unit? | Local municipalities identify high-consumption residential areas. To qualify, you must have a geyser, but you cannot apply for an unit individually as there are priority areas that are identified by your local municipality. |
| Q7 | Who is paying for the relay? | The unit is paid for by NERSA (National Energy Regulator of Southern Africa) and Eskom. The customer receives it free from charge. |
| Q8 | Who do I contact in case of any problem regarding the geyser after installation? | In case of any general geyser problems, you should contact a local electrician. If any problem arises after the installation, please call the numbers on the sticker that is stuck on the geyser unit. It is the number of the municipal call centre or RLM project office. |
| Q9 | Where are the projects currently being implemented? | The projects are implemented in the following areas during the first half of 2011:
|
| Q10 | Where can I obtain more information? | More information can be obtained from the Project Office in Emfuleni. Vereeniging: (016) 428-4919 / 073 426 2526; Vanderbiljlpark: (016) 987-2330 / 078 854 4779, or the website: www.eskom.co.za. |
Click on each of the below documents to view more information:
Eskom’s first radio soap
Eskom’s first radio “soapie” has been dubbed a resounding success with all indicators showing that the eight-part drama series, Tshintsha Mzansi Tshintsha (Change, South Africa, Change), has hit the spot with the target market.
The drama series, which aimed to promote energy efficient behaviour, ran on nine SABC vernacular radio stations in nine African languages from the beginning of February until the end of March 2011. The stations included Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM, Thobela FM, Phalaphala fm, Munghana Lonene, Ligwalagwala FM and Ikwekwezi FM.
Electricity and money saving tips were cleverly woven into the weekly plot, with engaging characters and an exciting and slightly scandalous storyline of a typical “soapie”. A weekly sms competition for followers of the series ran in tandem, whereby listeners were invited to sms their answer to a question related to the energy saving theme of the week. The questions were presented in a live read by the DJs after each episode.
Over 160 250 entries were received for the sms competition in which there was an energy efficient microwave valued at R2 500 to be won per week per radio station. In the first week alone, Ukhozi FM received close on 20 000 entries, the highest number of entries received by a single station in one week, with Umhlobo FM receiving just over 10 000 entries in the first week of the series.
“The response to the sms competition serves as a good barometer of the success of the radio drama in driving home the message of energy efficiency. Listeners had to have listened to the weekly episode and understood the week’s energy efficiency theme in order to enter the competition. The fact that we received such overwhelming participation from listeners showed that our drama series managed to hit home.”
“In order to effectively communicate the importance of saving electricity in this market, the primary focus of the episodes was to demonstrate to listeners how they stood to benefit by changing their behaviour in order to save power. This market is typically financially-strapped and by showing them ‘what’s in it for them’ in an engaging ‘soapie’ format, we believe were able to make the messages relevant and accessible enough to provide them with a personal motivation to change,” says Andrew Etzinger at Eskom Integrated Demand Management (IDM).
After the series ended a comprehensive questionnaire was shared with the participating radio stations and presenters. The response was unanimous; the series should be encored for a second or even third time because it provided a socially-relevant and market-appropriate vehicle for inculcating an energy consciousness amongst the target market, and communicating the obligations on all South Africans to change their lifestyles in order to conserve electricity.
“Based on the feedback we have received, it is clear that Tshintsha Mzansi Tshintsha proved an effective way for us to make energy saving information more accessible for this market. We are delighted by the response to the programme.”
“We believe that the series worked particularly well for the medium, the message and the market and we hope that we will be able to bring it back again,” says Etzinger.
Tshintsha Mzansi Tshintsha’s storyline revolves around a young man, Stevovo, who in his early twenties, is forced from his father’s home by his new stepmom who has become tired of his wanton and wasteful ways. He moves in with his aunt Neggy, a domestic worker who is famous for her strict savings tendencies. Over the course of the series, Stevovo learns the value of money, the importance of saving electricity, falls in love and grows up. There is a line up of delightful characters, including Jim “Big Jazz” Sebobe (Stevovo’s father); Candy Sebobe (Stevovo’s stepmother); Lebza (Stevovo’s love interest) and Madam Pat (Neggy’s well-to-do boss).
The series explored issues of personal and family struggle and triumph; family relationships; generational differences; everyday social challenges and how being electricity-smart can help save money, giving people a little more to spend on other things.
Some of the energy saving aspects that were touched-on included:
• Switch off lights when you leave the room
• Unplug appliances such as cell phone chargers when they are not in use
• Open the fridge door for shorter periods and close the fridge door properly
• Use less hot water otherwise the geyser has to work too hard (which waste electricity)
• Switch off appliances like DVD and televisions at the power button
• Appliances should be used for the purpose for which they are intended
• Saving electricity saves money
• Saving electricity helps protect the planet
Expresso breakfast TV show
Eskom is making innovative use of peak-time television to spread its energy-saving messages. This venture into television is a four-month sponsorship of stylish motivational series, the Expresso Morning Show. Participation in this advertising-funded show enables the power utility to ensure key messages are aired during morning peak viewing times.
The uplifting daily breakfast show is broadcast on SABC 3 and Eskom’s sponsorship covers 3 January 2011 to 6 May 2011.
Daily episodes feature a variety of segments from current affairs and the environment to cooking and children’s features. Broadcast every weekday morning from 05:00 to 07:30m it is hosted by celebrity presenters and fills a gap in the market for an upbeat, relevant, and inspiring breakfast show to which Afrikaans- and English-speaking South Africans can relate.
Eskom’s messages are subtly woven into daily episodes in order not to compromise the programme’s focus on entertainment. In addition, a number of smart elements such as stings, energy-saving tips, viewer competitions, cues by presenters during conversation and interviews with Eskom experts form part of the programme content.
The daily Eskom tips provide viewers with easy-to-implement actions for driving energy efficiency at home and in the workplace. In addition to these dedicated 30 second inserts aired during the show, viewers are encouraged to subscribe to daily Eskom energy-saving SMS alerts, which reinforce these messages.
Each week, there is also a four-minute insert dedicated to Eskom which educates consumers on energy-saving technologies. During January, these inserts focused on solar water heating, saving power through sensible pool management, energy-saving light bulbs and reducing energy consumption while preparing food. These themes were carried through in the daily energy-saving tips as well.
“Eskom’s sponsorship of Expresso Morning Show gives us exposure to an affluent viewership, and brings several benefits,” says Andrew Etzinger of Eskom Integrated Demand Management (IDM). “We are working to mobilise an energy-efficient culture and the show enables us to tailor-make content to support this drive. This sponsorship aims to promote demand reduction, which is necessary for ensuring security of supply.”
The Expresso Morning Show has high audience reach, predominantly in the LSM 7 to 10 bracket, and provides a platform to create and increase awareness for IDM programmes, such as the Solar Water Heating (SWH) and heat pump rebates and the roll-out of energy and water saving shower heads and efficient lighting technologies.
“It is also an opportunity for Eskom to engage with our consumers differently – through entertainment,” says Etzinger.
The Greenline TV Show
Eskom Greenline Sponsor
Eskom – Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Eskom is committed to playing a leading role in the drive towards energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy in South Africa. We have developed a number of wide-ranging energy saving, alternative energy and sustainability projects and programmes.
While the immediate impetus is the need for South Africa to reduce the demand placed on the electrical grid, Eskom is also intently focusing on reducing the overall environmental impact of energy consumption. We are acutely aware of our obligations to promote sustainable living and to take a leading role in encouraging all South Africans to reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Our programmes not only encourage and actively empower people to engage in energy efficient behaviour – we also constantly and consistently aim to raise awareness of energy efficient technologies. Many of our initiatives are designed to improve access to such technologies.
Eskom’s sustainability drive
The long-term nature of our business gives us an excellent platform on which to build a long-term drive for the development of sustainable energy programmes.
We are currently responding to the demand for electricity by building new capacity; however, completely understand the impact that our business has on future environmental sustainability. We fully recognise the need to balance the two imperatives.
Our immediate energy saving objective is to reduce electricity demand in order to ensure the stability of the national electricity grid, which perfectly complements our longer-term objectives of promoting, encouraging and empowering all South Africans to become more energy efficient.
To this end, our long-term planning processes take into account a lower carbon future for South Africa, while ensuring that we uphold the other sustainability demands of the people of the country. These require providing affordable energy and related services through the integration of economic development, environmental quality and social equity. We integrate sustainability criteria into all our decision-making, to ensure that the aspiration for sustainable development is continuously addressed.
An important part of our sustainability drive is increasing consumer awareness of the implications of electricity generation – the resources consumed, the cost, and the impact on the environment.
We firmly believe that sustainable development requires that every person in South Africa starts thinking about energy – how we generate it, what we pay for it, how we use it and how sustainable it is. Which is why we are focusing so intently on consumer awareness and education.
We see our sustainability role as a dual one – encouraging consumers to reduce energy consumption. We aim to motivate and empower by providing accurate information and practical advice for conserving electricity and becoming more energy efficient – and providing tools and incentives to do this.
Eskom’s Integrated Demand Management
Sustainability has become a central aspect of how we run our business. Our Integrated Demand Management division is a core business division dedicated to making it simpler for all consumers to use less power, replace inefficient equipment and implement alternative energy efficient technologies.
We focus on all consumers – from the largest industrial electricity users to individual households – targeting the entire spectrum from industrial process optimisation to domestic energy reduction. We are playing an active role in helping to ensure that all consumers can do their part in using as little electricity as possible, reducing their own costs, reducing environmental impact and contributing to the overall well-being of our society, our economy and our environment.
Eskom’s industrial and domestic energy efficiency programmes
Our Energy Management Programme targets our high-end energy users, focusing on the top 146 industrial energy consumers in South Africa. The aim is to assist in enhancing energy efficiencies by introducing formal processes, regulations, financial support processes, measurement and reporting.
We also actively engage at a more practical level with Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to reach consumers at all levels of industry, to analyse operations and introduce energy saving initiatives.
These include more efficient lighting, industrial pumps, fans and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, and water heating systems. We make subsidies available to contribute towards the cost of replacing inefficient technologies with newer, more efficient ones.
On the domestic consumer side we are implementing a series of power awareness and communication campaigns to increase awareness of the need for the reduction of household electricity consumption. In tandem with this we are continuously rolling out practical programmes to assist with this.
For example, the CFL Exchange Programme Compact has seen over 35 million conventional incandescent light bulbs exchanged for more energy efficient fluorescent lamps. Eskom-appointed agents physically visited households across the country to provide replacement bulbs.
Our Solar Water Heating Programme assists households in buying SABS tested solar water heaters to replace their conventional geysers. Under this programme, financial rebates are given to all households that install these heaters. These heaters can significantly reduce household power consumption. We estimate that an average system can save up to 2.07 kilolitres of water annually, with a carbon reduction of up to 1.6 tonnes per year, as shown in the table below:
| Savings per kWh | Approximate annual savings |
| Water: 1.26 l/kWh | 2.07 kilolitres |
| 821kg | |
| Ash: 0.28 g/kWh | 460g |
| SO2: 8.79 g/kWh | 14.4kg |
| Nox: 3.87 g/kWh | 6.4kg |
| CO2: 0.96 kg/kWh | 1.6tonnes |
As obtained from Eskom Corporate TAD
The Low Pressure Solar Water Heater Programme, undertaken together with local municipalities, provides free low pressure solar water heaters to needy households – both to reduce their electricity costs and to help them use less energy.
Eskom will continue to play a leading role in physically reducing the amount of power used by South Africa, thus reducing the environmental impact of energy use. We are also completely committed to increasing consumer awareness of the critical need for energy efficiency, and to encouraging and empowering all consumers to become more energy efficient as a way of life.
CFL Thank you campaign
Street pole ads
TV clips
Newspaper Ads
- CFL 4.5×18 National
- CFL 6×10 National
- CFL 3×6 JHB
- CFL 4×10 JHB
- CFL 4×16 JHB
- CFL 4×18 JHB
- CFL 9×6 JHB
- CFL 3×6 PTA
- CFL 1.2×5 KZN
- CFL 3×6 KZN
- 3x12CT
- CFL 3×6 CT
- CFL 3×30 CT
Bus ads
Billboards ads
Energy Efficient lighting winners 2010
ESKOM HONOURS WINNERS OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING DESIGN COMPETITION
One would expect to encounter more than just a flash of inspiration at a contemporary design exhibition – but the sheer brilliance of the winning entries on display at the awards event of the 2010 Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition surpassed all expectations. The event, which formed part of the Eskom eta Awards function, honoured the six individual winners as well as the educational institution of the winning student.
In order to draw on the full breadth and depth of talent and skill in South Africa, the Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition is open to students and professionals in the fields of architecture, interior designing, lighting specialists, engineering and anyone else with a passion for designing energy efficient lighting. The primary goal of the competition is to demonstrate that efficient lighting technologies such as fluorescent technology and LEDs can be used in ultramodern and attractive luminaires for residential lighting. It is also intended to encourage the design of creative and cost-effective luminaires, while promoting the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in the residential sector.
The total prize money is R250 000 with R17 000 set aside for merit awards.
The winners in the three categories are:
Category A: Residential luminaire design (students)
1st prize: R30 000: Lee Hutton of TUT Fine and Applied Arts (Spike-lamp)
2nd prize: R20 000: Navarre Ebersohn of TUT Architecture (Ecliptic Layering)
3rd prize: R10 000: Ané Matthee of the University of Pretoria (Luminest)
The Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Tshwane University of Technology (Glass and Ceramic Design) received the Top Educational Institution prize of R10 000.
Category B: Residential luminaire design (professional)
1st prize: R30 000: Christopher Wood from Cape Town with Fissure Light
2nd prize: R20 000: Trevor Hollard from Johannesburg with White Light
3rd prize: R10 000: Rudie Botha from Pretoria with Woodi
Three Special Awards were given, namely:
Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Sinegugu Sosibo from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) (Interior Design) with O-lite.
Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Ashleigh Harrington from Greenside Design Centre with The Mante Rae.
Special Award: Most Promising Designer of the Year: Innovation: Stevan Tseng from the University of Cape Town with Foldback Clip Light.
The organisers received a total of 567 entries in the two categories. Entrants had to comply with strict competition rules. In addition to constructing a model, each entrant was also required to provide a technical description of his or her design, set out a detailed budget and to name the design.
This year’s eye-catching creations present a celebration of local talent, with an astounding variety of styles and moods. From sleek, chic and high-tech designs sculpted in metal, granite and glass, to the tongue-in-cheek humour portrayed by entries with names such as De-light-ful, Afro Love Affair, “Gekoekde” light, Avo-lution, the “AHA!” Lamp, Power Flower and Plumb-delier, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them in making their final selections. The creative efforts that made their way to the judging table came from as far afield as Newcastle, George, Sedgefield, Barberton, Nelspruit and Kroonstad.
The materials utilized included pipe cleaners, scrap metal, shower heads, cold drink bottles, credit cards and even the colander. These materials may seem simple – but the effect they created in their newfound roles as bearers of light was anything but ordinary – it was magical.
Load limit Pilot
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 DSM 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