Power Bulletins reduce peak load

The joint initiative, aimed at providing the country with daily real-time information on the state of the power system and promoting energy efficiency - particularly during the evening peak period between 5pm - 9pm, reaches about 5.5 million television viewers every day.

Positive impact

Reacting to the positive manner in which viewers are responding to the Power Bulletins, Eskom GM for strategic marketing and branding, Kheepe Moremi, says, "Eskom would like to thank all South African consumers for switching off during this critical period."

The SABC's acting chief operations officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng adds, "For the public service broadcaster, this partnership was of national importance as electricity forms part of our day to day life. Going green and supporting projects that have a positive impact on the environmental landscape of the country will always be one of the key priorities of what we do as a public service broadcaster. This initiative could not have been as successful without the SABC's involvement, as we reach over 25 million South Africans every day on our television and radio platforms. The SABC gives a powerful voice to any campaign."

Reduce electricity usage

Eskom continues to urge households to help reduce load by at least 2000 MW, an equivalent of switching off 4.5 million geysers, every day during evening peak to see South Africa through this winter. Its demand-side management interventions encourage customers to use electricity more efficiently and in so doing help reduce the gap between supply and demand in the short to medium term.

Also known as integrated demand solutions, these initiatives support national security of supply and minimise the negative economic implications of a power shortage on the country.