Western Cape electricity update | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape electricity update

21 January 2020

The Western Cape Provincial Government has implemented several key measures to ensure critical services continue should extended power outages be experienced.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, says the province is working with the City of Cape Town, to prioritise certain areas for continued power supply in the event of a system emergency.

“One example is storage and production facilities for bulk oxygen for hospitals and medical facilities. Oxygen must be stored in a cryogenic state and it is critical that it not get affected. We’ve managed to ensure this is the case,” says Bredell.

Electricity demand is projected to pick up significantly from next week and while there is currently no load shedding expected, the grid remains under pressure and load shedding may be implemented at short notice when needed.

Bredell says the provincial government continues to work with multiple private sector stakeholders in the transport, communications and food industries to advise and assist them on their planning for power outages.

“In addition we have also been working with all our municipalities and provincial departments to establish contingency plans for their councils and departments in the event of extended power cuts. We also keep a close eye on the management of outstanding Eskom accounts owed by councils and provincial departments. Currently not a single municipality or provincial department in the Western Cape is in arrears with Eskom.”

Bredell says the provincial disaster management centre also has detailed plans of action in place in the event of a major system emergency.

“These are all pro-active plans. To best manage the power challenges we have, means we must all work together. We want to urge all consumers to reduce electricity usage where possible, thereby alleviating pressure on the grid and potentially preventing load shedding.”

For more information and tips on what you can do to be better prepared for power challenges follow these link:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/110green/

ENDS.

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson to the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Western Cape Government

9th Floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town, South Africa

Telephone  : +27 21 483 2820

Mobile        : +27 84 5831670

E-mail          : james-brent.styan@westerncape.gov.za