Background

The country is facing a looming energy crisis where it is expected that electricity demand may exceed electricity supply. When this happens, the country will experience power interruptions. An electricity shortfall is expected and it is in the power of the consumers to reduce the risk of electricity interruptions.

Electricity use is highly dependent on human behaviour. The objective of Power Alert is to appeal to residential household consumers of electricity to change their consumption patterns based on Power Alert broadcasts on National television (SABC 1, SABC 2 and SABC 3).

The Power Alerts are structured in such a way to minimise the discomfort and inconvenience to the public whilst empowering the public to avoid power interruptions in the country. The Power Alerts have the potential to take the country through this period without any power interruptions. The success of the Power Alerts does however depend on the participation of the public.

The peak periods are on weekdays:

• 07h00 to 10h00
• 18h00 to 21h00