By Nangamso Mabindla
7 July 2006

BUFFALO City has launched a strategy to manage electricity use within the city.

The City launched the Residential Load Management (RLM) strategy on 6 July as part of a national drive by Eskom to influence the way in which industrial, commercial and residential customers use electricity.

The strategy aims to save on energy use, particularly with an expected increase in demand with the country hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

As part of this strategy, Buffalo City planned to install a ripple control receiver into homes around the city. "This will help us regulate geyser usage in homes," according to consultant Dean Trollip of Ballenden and Robb Consulting Engineers.

This meant that geysers in particular areas could be turned off at specific times.

Geysers will form the initial focus of the RLM strategy, "because geysers make a significant contribution to the total load in residential areas", Trollip said.

A control centre has already been established to operate the RLM and liaise with residents, providing assistance where required.

From 19 July, a 10-month project, which will cost Eskom R32-million, will see qualified electricians visiting homes in Beacon Bay, Gonubie, Southernwood, and Bunkers Hill, Selborne, Nahoon, Cambridge, Parkside, West Bank, King William's Town and Breidbach and other suburbs to install the ripple control receivers.

Townships like Mdantsane, Gompo and Zwelitsha had not been targeted, "because not many houses have geysers in these townships", Trollip said.

The receivers will also not be installed where prepaid meters are in use.

Discussing how residents will be notified, Trollip said marketing strategies included:

• A knock and drop campaign, whereby notifications will be given to residents to inform them of the installation and verification that will take place;
• Appointment cards: a week before the installation, these will be given to residents informing them of the appointment.

Trollip added that installers would be given identification cards. "Consumers should only allow electricians with valid identity cards to enter their homes."

Acting executive mayor Luntu Bobo pledged the City's commitment. "This strategy will have long-term benefits; we know that residents will not be happy at first, but it is for the benefit of the country, especially for the World Cup," said Bobo.

He said that the strategy would also assist the City in its goals to have cleaner energy and contribute to a healthy environment for its citizens.

For more information contact the control centre on 043 722 2855. The centre will be open from 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday.