Eskom plans to install smart meters in all homes in South Africa over the next four years to be able to control and limit the electricity supply to households as part of its Demand-side Management (DSM) initiative.
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The R16 billion proposed DSM initiative is expected to relieve pressure on the power grid by reducing the load during peak times by 7,000MW and promoting energy conservation, ultimately leading to consumer cost savings.
Monde Bala, Eskom’s group executive of distribution, highlighted the role of smart meters in facilitating the DSM approach, enabling Eskom and municipalities to shift loads and manage energy consumption during peak times.
Eskom’s chief engineer, Edison Makwarela, has revealed further details of the power utility’s smart meter plans, which include load-limiting measures to reduce energy consumption.
Makwarela explained that the nationwide rollout of these new meters, which can be remotely controlled to manage electricity demand and supply, is expected to bring numerous benefits to South Africa.
By using smart meters with two-way communication capabilities, Eskom will be able to limit the power supply to a home, which will encourage users to switch off high-consumption appliances such as geysers and stoves.
As reported by the Daily Investor, Vally Padayachee, who previously held executive management roles at both Eskom and City Power, has provided further insights on the use of smart meters for controlling household energy consumption.
According to Padayachee, while these meters can be used to remotely switch off geysers and appliances, they may not be the most effective tools for energy management and could have unintended consequences.
Padayachee said, ‘A better option is for the system operator or control room to limit the load. This, in turn, encourages the customer to drop their load.’
‘The intent is to get every home to install a smart meter which will hopefully be achieved through the incentives offered.’
He further adds that the use of smart meters could prove to be a valuable tool in reducing the frequency and severity of loadshedding in South Africa, potentially limiting it to stage 1 or 2 rather than the more severe stages the country currently experiences.
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Picture: Eskom / Facebook