DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALI- TY has signed a commitment that it will attempt to save 10% electricity, to avoid load shedding.
At a meeting held with business in Paarl last week, Eskom representatives gave tips on how to save electricity.
According to Pieter Muller from Eskom everyone should attempt to save power, especially in peak hours, to avoid load shedding.
He advised people to switch off:
* split and window unit air conditioners, but especially between 08:00 to 12:00,
* central air conditioning units or alternatively increase temperatures by 2 degrees Celcius
* all decorative lighting (including advertisements) between 06:00 and 22:00,
* geysers between 06:00 and 22:00,
* escalators at low pedestrian traffic periods, but preferably be- tween 08:00 to 12:00 and 19:00 to 21:00.
What else can businesses do?
* Make employees aware of the need to save energy and install power-saving bulbs where possible.
* Join the National Business Initiative (NBI) which targets a 15% saving by 2015.
* Participate in Eskom’s Demand Side Management programme - financial incentives for capital equipment range from 50% to 100%.
* Use electronic ballast fluorescent lighting systems.
* Use energy efficient motors and pumps.
Invest in solar water heating and heat pumps rather than electric boilers where technically feasible.
