Power consumption declined during partial lockdown-EEC

Mbabane: With more people at home and businesses closed the level of electricity consumption has inevitably declined.

This was disclosed by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Khaya Mavuso, when responding to questions from this publication.

Mavuso said the net effect of the partial lockdown in electricity consumption showed a reduction in demand for electricity.

Mavuso confirmed to Independent News that the decline can be attributed to the closing down and reduction in consumption for business customers. Mavuso noted that despite the decrease in electricity consumption, domestic consumption increased. Overall, the net consumption showed a decline.

“Now that most businesses have been reopened, electricity demand is expected to grow as businesses will resume their operations and also, the fact that we are now in the winter season power consumption will rise,” said Mavuso.

Mavuso revealed that nevertheless, the company has enough local generation to take care for the increase by local consumers. However, he urged the nation to use electricity effectively and responsible so to avoid a situation whereby the company will be forced to manage the situation system through load shedding.

Mavuso explained that the current power outages are mostly caused by ongoing routine maintenance by the company. He said the power outages of this nature are called planned power outages meant to allow the company to make some improvements and reduce chances of accidental power cuts. An outage of this nature is usually announced well in advance.