Load Shedding Queries
For Load shedding queries, please phone 041-5065595. This telephone number is directly linked to the NMBM Integrated Voice Recording (IVR) system. You will be able to access recorded messages on Load Shedding updates and information. Should you require to speak to an operator, please follow the voice prompts.
Background
Due to national generation shortages currently experienced by Eskom, the national electricity demand exceeds the available power. This can result in the entire electricity network becoming unstable and leading to uncontrollable blackouts throughout the country.
The NMBM is participating in the national load shedding programme by developing a load shedding schedule to manage and control the electricity demand to prevent instability.
The NMBM electricity network has been sub-divided into groups of predominantly non-industrial loads. In the event that the national generation is insufficient, electricity utilities like NMBM are compelled to conduct load shedding. It is therefore likely that non-industrial loads (domestic and commercial customers) will be affected by load shedding when requested by Eskom. Please note that in most instances it is highly unlikely that adequate advance notification is received in order to timeously inform our customers.
Definitions: Load Shedding
Removal of pre-selected customer demand from a power system, as a result of the occurrence of an abnormal condition, in an effort to maintain the integrity of the system and minimize overall customer outages.
Domestic Customer
Customers who are supplied at 230volt, single phase or 400volt three phase. This includes:
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Private houses
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Blocks of flats, townhouses, cluster houses and maisonettes
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Small businesses that are supplied at 230volt single phase not exceeding 80amps.
Commercial Customer
Customers not defined under Domestic Customers, who are supplied at 400-volt/800kVA three phase and 500-volt/500kVA three phase.
Industrial Customer
Customers who are supplied at 6600volt and above.
What can customers do to reduce load shedding?
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Switch off all geysers during peak periods;
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Switch off all air-conditioning and non-essential lighting;
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Switch off heating equipment and pool motors;
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Switch off all appliances if not in use;
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Switch off all office equipment after hours;
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Use alternative energy sources and low wattage lamps;
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Limit the use of cooking appliances.
LOAD SHEDDING SCHEDULE
Load shedding is done by NMBM at the request of Eskom and is dependent on the availability of supply and the demand for power. It is intended that the groups of non-industrial loads will not be disconnected for more than 2-2½ hours at a time between 06:00 and 22:30.
NMBM has been subdivided into a number of groups, each consisting of three areas. Each GROUP consists of THREE AREAS and each AREA consists of a few predominantly residential areas. Load shedding starts at GROUP1 and proceeds to GROUP8. The next group of areas to be shed will follow the previous group of areas in accordance with the schedule.
NMBM is aware that a number of commercial and small industrial customers are supplied from predominantly domestic circuits. It is unfortunate that these customers will be affected by load shedding.
How will I know when I will be affected by load shedding?
1. Look up you AREA
2. Determine your GROUP NUMBER
3. Determine the TIME SLOT for the current day.
Example follows:
If I live in Strelitzia Park, my area number is AREA7
My group number is GROUP 3 and therefore it is likely that the electricity supply to my area will be shed on:
- Monday between 18h00 and 20h30
- Tuesday between 16h00 and 18h30
- Wednesday between 14h00 and 16h30
- Thursday between 1200 and 14h30
- Fridays between 10h00 and 12h30
- Saturdays and Sundays between 08h00 and 10h30
