The recent power failures experienced by Eskom in the Western Cape has been due to the Koeberg plant not being in operation.

Eskom has advised that the impact to the Eastern Cape and BCM may only be felt if the hydro pump stations in Gariep and Van der Kloof which supply this area, is not in operation.

To this end, BCM together with other large municipalities in the Eastern Cape, may be requested by Eskom to undertake a load shedding i.e. to reduce electricity consumption. Buffalo City Municipality will be required to manage the load by shedding some load, in order to keep the electrical network stable as well, as avoid major outages or blackouts in the area. However, the result is that certain customers in BCM may experience a loss of electricity supply for a short period of time.

In the event that Eskom is short of supply and requires load shedding, BCM has prepared load-shedding schedules to minimise power outages to 4 to 6 hours at a time per day. These planned schedules will only be implemented as and when required.

Eskom has announced that the Eastern Cape may not experience power cuts, however, as a precautionary measure BCM customers are advised that they may be switched, whilst others customers in the vicinity are switched on.

The municipality would like to call upon customers to assist the municipality by voluntarily supporting the following in the forthcoming months:

• Reduce sewerage out put, as this puts a strain on the sewerage treatment works when there is an electricity outage.
• Try not to cook excessively as this increases consumption of electricity.
• Try not to use higher electricity consuming appliances like; washing machines, tumble driers, air conditioners, heaters, kettles and other electric appliances.
• Conserve electricity by switching off lights not in use.
• Try to switch off gysers during the hours indicated below.
• Try to reduce electricity consumption from Mondays to Fridays from 05h00 to 23h30 and from 07h00 to 22h00 on Weekends.

Consumers are urged to utilise electricity sparingly during this period, as any saving in electricity consumption will assist the municipality to effectively manage a potential situation.