ALL lights are back on as the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) load management campaign ends this evening.
This was confirmed by EEC Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Khaya Mavuso, who said the winter load management campaign was planned for June, July, and August, as announced by Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta at its launch.
“The winter season is almost over, hence the campaign will end. As it is, load management ends on Friday evening,” Mavuso said. He clarified that the electricity grid would still be closely monitored, and if any adjustments are necessary, the public would be informed in advance.
The power utility launched its first-ever electricity load management campaign in May in response to rising electricity outages during winter. Mkhonta explained the urgent need for national action to address the increase in electricity demand during the colder months of June to August.
He noted that the electricity network experiences extreme constraints during peak hours from 6 to 8am and from 5 to 8pm, when households and businesses heavily rely on electricity for heating, cooking, and other essential activities.
“If left unaddressed, this surge in demand could compromise the reliability of the electricity supply, lead to higher operational costs, and result in potential service interruptions,” Mkhonta said.
To mitigate these risks, EEC implemented a load shift strategy, designed to encourage consumers to modify electricity usage habits, particularly by reducing consumption during peak hours.
Mkhonta added that increased demand compromises reliability, raises operational costs, and could result in service interruptions if not managed properly.
In a bid to secure the country’s electricity supply, EEC renewed its power purchase agreement with Eskom for another 10 years, replacing the previous contract set to expire on September 30.
The new agreement is expected to help Eswatini strengthen generation capacity and reduce reliance on imported power. Mkhonta also highlighted a number of initiatives the utility has in place to support power operations for the next decade and beyond.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
[…] Mbabane – Eswatini households and businesses are set to enjoy uninterrupted electricity as the Eswatini Electricity Company, EEC, concludes its winter load management campaign on Friday evening, according to reports from the Eswatini Observer. […]