How to participate

Background information :: How to participate :: Pamphlets & Brochures :: Power Alert website

What is an Eskom Power Alert?

Power Alert is a residential load reduction DSM project. Visual inserts in the form of Power Alert meters are broadcast (flighted) on SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 on weekdays between 17h30 and 20h30. These Power Alert meters give an indication of the strain on the electricity supply and will urge people to switch off their appliances if the need arises. This is not a permanent intervention. The Power Alert meter creates real-time awareness and voluntary reaction by the public when broadcast.

The key indicators
Four status levels occur, each calling for specific measures to be taken by consumers in all geographical areas. These are:

Green: indicates that there is only limited strain on the system. Consumers are requested to save power as part of their everyday activities to achieve energy efficiency.

Orange: the demand on the system is increasing. Consumers are prompted to switch off some non-essential power-consuming appliances. These include tumble dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps and unnecessary lights during peak periods.

Red: strain on the system is increasing and load shedding is imminent. Consumers are asked to take action by switching off geysers, stoves, microwave ovens, kettles, heaters, air conditioning units and unnecessary lights.

Brown: the most serious state indicates that there is significant strain on the national grid and that load shedding is being undertaken. Consumers are requested to switch off all appliances that are not absolutely necessary and rely only on essential lighting and their TV's (which, at this stage, indicate changed status as it occurs).

Savings achieved

Achieving the intended saving depends largely on the participation of the TV audience. This participation is driven by amongst other things, the frequency of the Power Alert broadcasts, and the general levels of awareness of the public. These levels of awareness are in turn influenced by "awareness advertising" or "awareness campaigns" as well as the frequency and severity of power interruptions.

The following graphs show the impact assessment for the National Power Alert project for July 2007 - March 2008 in South Africa.

National Power Alert Impacts: