If not taken with precautions, it can take your life.

The basic guidelines listed below will help you while working with electricity in your household or workplace.

1. Make sure that your body is dry

Well, we all know water is a powerful but unstable conductor of electricity.

Creating a connection between them or just mixing them can lead to an electric shock.

When planning to work with electricity or just be in contact with it for example when you want to charge your phone by connecting your charger to a socket, you must make sure that your entire body is dry and specifically your hands.

2.  Make sure to use proper equipment.

Always make sure to only use insulated equipment when planning to work or being in contact with electricity. For example, make sure to always use insulated rubber gloves when you want to hold any conductor of electricity such as cables. Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.

3. Make sure the main switchboard of electricity is turned off.

Remember nobody can predict what can happen, this applies also to electricity. When working with electricity by for example fixing an appliance, a mistake can happen and a discharge of electricity can affect you. So before working with electricity in your household, make sure to first turn off the main switchboard or just the interrupter.

For example, when you want to change an ampoule electric, make sure to simply switch off the interrupter or to be more careful the main switchboard.

4. Never use damaged equipment.

Always check your equipment quality and also the different cables and electric elements that conduct the electricity in your household. Make sure to avoid broken equipment, frayed cords, or event broken plugs.

5. Never make use of steel or aluminum ladders.

When you want to work with electricity, you always have to make sure to remove any element that can cause you to get electrocuted. Steel and aluminum are really good conductors of electricity, and due to that, you can simply get electrocuted and die. So instead of making use of steel or aluminum ladders make use of wooden or fiberglass ladders for complete safety.

In conclusion,

We are enough safe; a safe household or work environment is not always enough to predict a potential electrical hazard. So, every time you are working with electricity always be cautious and practice every step safely. Constant safety must be considered and mustn’t be compromised in any situation at your workplace or in your household.

The post How to stay safe when working with electricity appeared first on Powertime.

Since the beginning of the fall season in South Africa, Eskom has implemented the load-shedding festival due to the different incident that has been happening during the past few weeks, such as:

1. The sabotage of the cable stations

Since 2021 Eskom has been facing sabotage of its cables in different places within the country, the most recent occurred in Mpumalanga at the Hendrina station. Investigations have been conducted but with no concrete  outcome; and these sabotages cause instability in Eskom to provide electricity.

2. The continued shortage of generation capacity

Probably the primordial cause of the load-shedding in South Africa is the shortage of generation capacity, due to the different power stations not working and Eskom is unable to provide enough capacity.

Eskom provided an estimated value of 4,000 – 6,000 MW of additional capacity needed to properly maintain its power stations.  Another 14,500 megawatts of capacity is currently unavailable due to the multiple breakdowns of the generation.

3. The coal quality

The quality of coal plays an important role in the generation of electricity in the different power stations. For quite a few years now, there is an ongoing issue with the quality of coal provided by several syndicates and other suppliers, such as “Exxaro and Seriti” which are the largest suppliers of coal to Eskom, by roughly providing 80% of coal/year to Eskom.

According to the expert Chris Yelland, suppliers are unable to keep up with the expected quality of coal requested due to the constant demand that keeps on increasing. The bad quality of coal, impacted the production as workers have to manually remove ash and other elements in the units stuck in the pipework, which cause delays and affects the different stations.

4. The Inadequate level of skills and inadequate availability of skills

One of the biggest challenges that South Africa is facing is a lack of skills, and Eskom has also been impacted by the wave, as there are challenges with a lack of engineering and technical skills and experience in the industry. According to Pravin Gordhan, In order to solve the issue, Eskom has launched a training program to upgrade the skills and abilities of its workers.

In conclusion,

With the demand that keeps on increasing, it’s now challenging to constantly supply enough electricity to the entire country. In order to match the demand, Eskom has no order choice but to reimplement the load-shedding period with different stages based on the current events and demand in the market. With the fall season that has started, we might face a long period in the dark as demand tends to increase. It’s not yet clear when the issues will be fixed and also when load-shedding will be definitely suspended, but according to the Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha, Eskom’s users can help the entity in reducing stages but reducing electricity usage, which can potentially help in suspending the load-shedding.

The post The launch of the Eskom Load-shedding rocket appeared first on Powertime.

In a show to the National Energy Regulatory of South Africa (NERSA), the power utility said the increment was incompletely being driven by buys from free power markers international Power Products (IPPs) and carbon charges – two costs which are outside of Eskom’s immediate control. These two costs alone make up around 13,8% of the mentioned increment, it said.

The gathering has likewise shown that it depends to request a further 15,07% increment in 2024 and a 10% increment in 2025. In any case, this will rely upon the genuine increment that NERSA awards Eskom this year with the controller seldom giving the power utility the full increment that is requested.

On 5 March 2021, NERSA supported a climb of 15,06% for Eskom’s immediate clients, which was accordingly carried out on 1 April 2021. A climb of 17,80% for districts was carried out on 1 July 2021. Far beyond the mentioned levy increment, Eskom said it is as yet reliant upon additional value support given by the public authority to stay a going concern.

It added that each work is being made to track down additional efficiencies inside the business, to address defilement and extortion, and to make advances into tending to city and other obligation. Eskom added that the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic and the related lockdown limitations in South Africa have had extensive outcomes and added significant descending force to a generally compromised economy.

The post Increment in electricity price. appeared first on Powertime.

Prepaid electricity in the main, is quite a good concept to look into if you are still running a post paid system and are struggling with exorbitant monthly fees and costs. If you are controlling your energy spend with the post paid method, then this is in order however it can easily become a costly expense. Prepaid electricity too, are not without it’s errors and issues and below we will discuss some very common errors you will come across some time or the other with your prepaid electricity set-up:

Error Messages: 

1. SAD face – probably means it is just finger trouble in typing the token number – please retry
2. DDDD –  Duplicated token. The token has probably been entered already, causing this error. Please double check.
3. Error 30 – Technical error on your meter. To try and troubleshoot this error, please switch off your meter, as well as your electricity mains and give it a few minutes. Afterwards, turn back on your mains and meter back on and retry your token. If the error 30 persists, please contact your municipality and get a technician to come out and have a look at the meter.

Meter Blocked? – It does occur that a meter is blocked by a municipality’s credit control. This means that the municipality prevents your meter from making a prepaid purchase until the block is lifted. To have this lifted the client needs to sort this out with the municipality.

While we are on the subject, also important to note that any outstanding fees on your utility bill that is deemed to be in arrears, can be deducted from your prepaid electricity purchase. If this takes place, it is wise to contact the municipality to resolve this.

For more information please visit: https://straton.co.za/pre-paid/about/prepaid-meter-error-codes/

The post Prepaid Meter Error Codes appeared first on Powertime.

South Africans have again been cautioned to become acclimated to control power outages for essentially the following 5 years.

The force utility executed stage two burden shedding as it battles to recuperate from various breakdowns.

Energy expert Ted Blom blames Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter: Eighteen months ago, he said he would have all the plants refurbished and that load shedding would end. Earlier this year, he has come out to say he is not going to spend that money on refurbishing the plants and it would be a better investment to put into renewable. Blom accepts the accentuation on renewable was misguided: “It is far and away more terrible because, with renewable, they are discussing battery stockpiling. there is no utility size battery stockpiling plants accessible any place on the planet. No nation is running battery stockpiling as reinforcement.”

As load shedding was implemented the last few days, Eskom could conduct some repairs to generating units and the maintenance programme proceed. Despite the fact that they were not able to replenish emergency generation reserves, but could reply on support system.

There are still risks to some generating units, which will pressurize Eskom to implement load shedding at short notice. Electricity still needs to be used sparingly to prevent possibility of load shedding. we also have to note that water pumps are also connected to electricity that supply water to the community meaning water can also be affected by load shedding.

The post Load shedding will likely last for 5 years appeared first on Powertime.

President Ramaphosa said the decision followed a broad public interview and a lot of specialized work embraced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. He said it would build the National Energy Regulator of SA’s authorizing edge for inserted age projects from 1MW to 100MW.

The changed guidelines will absolve age projects up to 100MW from the Nersa authorizing necessity, regardless of whether they are associated with the matrix.

This will eliminate a critical hindrance to interest in inserted age projects.

Ramaphosa’s declaration comes as the economy is wrestling with power outages after power provider Eskom inclined up its rotational burden shedding to Stage 4 because of consistent breakdowns.

The business has been requiring the public authority to expand the limit on inserted power age from 1MW to 50MW.

“It also demonstrates our commitment as the government to listen carefully to experts, to engage closely with our social partners, and to take on board new ideas to address our long-standing challenges,” he said.

Ramaphosa said that was a critical new advance in further transforming the power area towards accomplishing a steady and secure stock of energy.

The post Ramaphosa supports correction to Electricity appeared first on Powertime.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM GOING TO BE HIT BY LOAD SHEDDING?

The answer is very simple, know your power provider and check the correct load shedding schedules.

• City of Cape Town? Click here 
• Johannesburg? check here
• City of Tshwane? Click here
• City of Ekurhuleni? Check here
• Straight from Eskom? click here to check your load shedding schedule

For more information please check Energy expert Coalition by clicking here

Wondering how you can prepare for load shedding? 

Here are 7 simple ways to prepare for load shedding:

• Check your load shedding schedule regularly so you have enough time to prepare.
• Avoid power surges nuisance tripping: if you know that your area will be affected by Load shedding, switch off appliances, geysers, pool pumps, air conditioners, lights and other electrical equipment to reduce the risk of damage caused when the power comes back on.
• Use a solar geyser and also solar lamps when lights are out.
• Make sure your computer, laptop or phone is fully charged so you can still use them
• Draw some cash as the ATM will be offline
• Keep your bottles in the freezer so they are ice cold when load shedding starts.
• Prepare meals in advance as it is possible to wake up to no electricity and will be stuck to make breakfast or might not make it home in time to cook supper.

WHAT DOES THE DIFFERENT LOAD SHEDDING STAGES MEAN?

Stage 1: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 1000MW.

Stage 1 is the least disruptive of the schedules. Your area is likely to be hit Three times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Three times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time

Stage 2:  To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 2000MW

Stage 2 double the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 1 meaning your area is likely to be hit Six times over a four-day period for 2 hours at the time or Six times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 3: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at most 4000MW

Stage 3 increased by 50% of the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 2 meaning your area is likely to be hit Nine times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Nine times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 4: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at least 4000MW

Stage 4 double the frequency of stage 2, meaning your area is likely to be hit Twelve times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Twelve times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

The post Tips to prepare for load shedding appeared first on Powertime.

How?

Simply add or save our whatsApp number 0443822484 to your smart phone and refresh your WhatsApp contact list, and you should be able to now send us a message directly to that number!

You can now send us a message or you can send us screen shots of the issue you are experiencing on Android, iOs, Windows mobile and Web as displayed by the images below. So go ahead and test it out! 

Our other support channels include:

Email: support@powertime.co.za

Office line: (021) 911 5611

Messenger: m.me/PowertimeZA

And of course, our live chat feature on our website!

The post WhatsApp now Support: Get in touch with us! appeared first on Powertime.

Advantage 

• Wave energy is renewable, you will never run out
• It is environment friendly
• There is a variety of ways to Harness (Lots of ways to gather it)
• No harm to the land
• Less dependency companies for fossil
• Wave energy is very reliable
• A huge amount of energy can be produced in the waves.

Disadvantage 

• Only available to certain locations
• Dependent on wavelength
• Can be nosing to those who live close by
• Cost of production might be enormous

Research has shown that Oceans cover three quarters of the earth’s surface which constitute a natural energy resource in the form of waves. Also in the UK it has been evaluated that the recoverable wave energy resources exceeded the electricity demand. If there is a less that 0.1% of the renewable energy within the oceans that could be translated into electricity it would be very content in the future.

The two basic elements of technology is a collector to capture the wave energy and a turbo generator to convert the wave power into electricity. in the UK wave energy collectors are used in a form of partially submerged shell which seawater is free to enter and leave. When the water enters or leaves, the level of water in the chamber rises or falls.

The post Wave Power appeared first on Powertime.

Rooftop Solar Panels

This is probably the most common and obvious method, if you’re looking into renewable power. Solar panels typically go on your roof, although you can also install them in your yard. If your current roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you could also consider investing in solar shingles. Where standard rooftop solar panels are mounted on top of your current roof, solar shingles actually take the place of your roof tiles.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are commonly found on wind-farms or floating offshore somewhere, but if you have enough real estate you can install a small wind turbine on your property to power your home.

Solar Oven

Maybe you’re not ready to power your entire home with renewable energy as yet. That’s a big project, and maybe it’s just not feasible for various reasons. You can still power a part of your home with renewable energy by building a solar oven. Solar ovens are typically a science fair project, but ovens actually use quite a bit of electricity. Using the sun to passively heat your food is a good way to get started in the world of renewable energy.

Hydro Power

This won’t work for most people, but if your property contains a source of flowing water, you’re in luck. You can divert some or all of the stream or river to flow through a turbine and power your home.

Solar Water Heating

Solar water heaters use the sun to heat a reserve of water, which can then be pumped through your radiators or out your faucets or showerheads. This system is much cheaper than using gas or electricity to heat your water, and is easier to install than solar panels.

Solar Air Conditioning

Air conditioning uses more electricity than almost anything else in your home. Air conditioning can cost you quite a bit amount of money every year, especially if you have central air and you live in a hot climate. Using hot water to cool your home can save you money and help the environment.

Tesla Powerwall

The Powerwall is a large rechargeable battery that can store several kilowatt-hours of electricity. On its own, it can be programmed to charge itself from the grid when electricity is on, and discharge when you’re hit by load-shedding or there is a disruption in the supply.

The post 7 Ways to Solar Power your Home appeared first on Powertime.