MEDIA STATEMENT

Electricity usage patterns explained

Friday, 27 May 2022: It is the end of a long day; you have just come home from work, made dinner,
put a load of washing in the washing machine and you settle down in front of the television for some
evening viewing. For many South African households, this is a typical evening routine. Moreover, it is
at this time that South Africa’s electricity network is under the biggest strain, during what is known as
the evening peak demand.
So, what is peak demand?
The time of the day, day of the week and the seasons can all affect electricity demand. For example,
when people get home from work or start the evening routine, electricity demand spikes as everyone
turns on the lights, starts bathing, switches on heaters and prepares dinner around the same time.
When electricity demand is at its highest usage levels it is known as ‘peak demand’. This period of
peak demand tends to occur when millions of households are using their appliances for cooking,
bathing, heating, lighting, and entertainment, all at the same time.

In South Africa, peak demand periods occur in the early mornings from 6am to 9am and in the early
evenings from 5pm to 9pm. The evening peak is generally because of the impact of residential
consumers. In winter, there is a significant increase in the evening peaks because many people
switch on their heaters to keep warm.

It is important to familiarise yourself with how much electricity your appliances use. Switch off
unnecessary appliances. Buy energy-efficient appliances when it is time to replace your current
appliances and try not to use all your major appliances during peak time. This way, you assist in
reducing the demand on the power system, which in turn could help minimise the instances and
extent of loadshedding.

Remember to keep an eye out for and respond to the real-time Power Alert messages on SABC, eTV
and DStv to help manage the strain on the electricity system. Together we can make a difference and
keep the lights on.

ENDS

Issued by: Eskom Media Desk

Tel: +27 11 800 3433/5944/6050
Cell: 083 276 0606
Email: mediadesk@eskom.co.za