20 Apr 2015

Botswana Power Corporation says it is anticipating power supply challenges during the winter (peak) season due to low generation capacity and high demand of power within the region during the winter period.

As part of the Demand Side Management (DSM) initiatives to alleviate power supply deficit challenges envisaged, the corporation said it would embark on a programme in which customer loads will be remotely managed. The corporation said, through a press release, that the programme was expected to commence on April 28 and will be used whenever demand outstripped supply.

It said the programme would be covering following areas; Gaborone, Francistown, Lobatse, Phikwe and Jwaneng. “The efforts are intended to keep load shedding as minimal as possible during peak demand as well as creating equity in the conservation of electricity,” the press release stated.

It added that the program will only be used as a first step when there is shortage of power so as to minimize load shedding. It will be limited to domestic and small business customers who will be required to maintain loads within 10A (2300Watts) during peak periods (6AM-10AM & 6PM-10PM).

“Exceeding the set load limit will lead to automatic disconnecting power supply which can only be restored after a period of one hour. It’s worth noting that continued non-compliance to the set load limit will lead to the power being supplied after the peak period (4 hours),” it added.

It explained that the stipulated 10A will typically allow customers to use at least 10 CFL lights (60Watts) and the television, any other appliances besides these should be switched off. While normal supply of 60A will be restored when power is available, customers are duly encouraged to continue to conserve electricity at all times.

It further said whilst the Corporation is working around the clock to ensure normal power supply, the nation should expect possibilities of load shedding as a last resort measure to control demand. Ends