Load Management

Load Management Schedule — Revised August 2025

Load Management Schedule — July 2025

Load Management Schedule — June 2025

Power Shift Eswatini: A Collective Effort for a Brighter Tomorrow

The Energy Challenge & Our Solution

As temperatures drop and electricity demand rises, we must come together to ensure a stable, reliable, and fair energy supply for all. That’s where Power Shift Eswatini comes in, a national winter campaign designed to empower consumers, manage electricity demand, and prevent unexpected disruptions.

From June to August, Eswatini experiences peak energy usage that is predominantly due to domestic use, placing immense pressure on the grid. Without proactive action, we risk overloading the system, which could lead to widespread outages and costly damage. But together, we can shift the way we consume electricity and create a sustainable balance, all while keeping our homes warm and our businesses running.

By adopting smart energy-saving habits, shifting high-power usage outside peak hours, and staying informed through the Power Shift Eswatini campaign, we can protect our power supply while lowering costs and preventing disruptions. Your participation matters. Your choices make a difference. Let’s shift power consumption for a stronger, more resilient Eswatini.

Join us in making Power Shift Eswatini a success, because when we work together, everyone wins.

SECTION A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

1. What is load management and how is it different from load shifting? and

  1. Load Management: A broad strategy used by utilities to regulate electricity demand through various methods, including encouraging energy efficiency, adjusting grid operations, and, when necessary, implementing controlled power interruptions to prevent system overload.
  2. Load Shifting: A more specific and proactive approach where consumers adjust their electricity usage voluntarily by shifting high-energy activities outside peak hours to help balance demand and prevent strain on the grid—without the need for enforced power cuts.

 

2. Why is EEC implementing load shifting?

EEC is introducing this initiative during winter (June-August) when electricity usage increases to unsustainable levels, ensuring stable and fair distribution of power to all customers.

3. How is load management different from load shedding?

Load management encourages voluntary energy-saving actions, such as shifting power usage outside peak hours. Load shedding, on the other hand, is enforced power cuts due to demand exceeding supply capacity.

4. What are the peak demand hours during winter?

Peak demand hours are 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, when households and businesses use the most electricity for heating, cooking, and other high-energy activities.

5. How can I help reduce electricity demand during peak hours?

Customers can help by:

  1. Running energy-intensive appliances outside peak times.
  2. Using energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
  3. Switching off unused devices to conserve electricity.

6. Will load management affect my electricity supply?

Yes, to an extent, load management may result to possible outages but at defined time periods and such notifications will be communicated in advance to the possibly affected customers. It is a proactive measure to avoid unplanned disruptions and ensure everyone gets a fair share of power.

7. What happens if people do not follow load management guidelines?

Ignoring load management recommendations may increase the risk of nation-wide power disruptions due to excessive strain on the grid. Cooperation helps contain the impact of such planned power disruptions.

8. Will EEC provide real-time updates on electricity demand and supply?

Yes! Customers can expect updates through:

  1. EEC website: www.eec.co.sz/media
  2. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)
  3. SMS/WhatsApp alerts

9. Is there any incentive for customers who actively practice load shifting?

While there may not be direct financial rewards for customers that are not on time of use tariff, practicing load shifting minimizes unplanned outages, improves electricity reliability, and contributes to a stable grid.

10. How will EEC educate the public about load management?

EEC will use multiple communication channels, including:

  1. Social media campaigns
  2. TV/radio discussions
  3. Billboards and flyers
  4. Community outreach programs
  5. Traditional media

11. Who are the key stakeholders involved in the campaign?

The campaign engages residential customers and other key stakeholders in government, regulators and media representatives, to ensure widespread awareness.

12. What can I do to make my home more energy-efficient during winter?

  1. Use energy-efficient bulbs and appliances.
  2. Insulate your home to reduce heating needs.
  3. Switch off unnecessary lights and devices.
  4. Consider alternative energy sources, mainly for heating.

13. Can I still use my geyser and heater during peak hours?

It is encouraged to use geysers and heaters outside peak hours or install smart timers to regulate energy use efficiently.

14. How long will the load management campaign last?

The campaign will run throughout winter (June-August), with continuous monitoring and adjustments based on demand trends.

15. How can I stay updated on the campaign and energy-saving tips?

Be on the lookout on the local media for alerts for energy saving tips, FAQs, and load management schedules.

SECTION B

MYTHS VS. FACTS: ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION DURING PEAK SEASON

Myth

Fact

EEC recalibrates meters to consume electricity faster during peak season.

Electricity meters are regulated devices that measure actual consumption based on usage. Utilities do not alter calibration - higher consumption is often due to increased heating, lighting, and appliance use in colder months.

The same appliances use more electricity in winter because of EEC manipulation.

Appliances like heaters, geysers, and ovens naturally work harder in cold weather, requiring more energy to achieve the same effect. This increased consumption is due to seasonal demand, not EEC tampering.

Prepaid electricity units disappear quicker because utilities change tariffs secretly.

Any tariff adjustments follow strict regulatory approval and are publicly announced. If units seem to deplete faster, it is often because high-energy appliances are used more frequently.

EEC charges higher rates at peak hours to make more profit.

While some utilities in the region implement peak-hour pricing, EEC manages demand to prevent network overload, not to exploit consumers. The aim is grid stability, not profit manipulation.

Load management is a way for utilities to force customers to spend more.

Load management reduces the risk of major blackouts and helps distribute power efficiently. The goal is to encourage smarter energy use, not financial exploitation.

Lower-voltage electricity is supplied during peak season to slow power distribution.

Voltage fluctuations may occur due to high demand, but EEC does not intentionally reduce voltage. Grid operators aim to maintain stable supply despite increased consumption.

SECTION C

TIPS ON SAVING ENERGY DURING PEAK SEASON

Energy-saving tips that consumers can adopt to support load management and load shifting during the winter peak hours (6 AM–8 AM & 5 PM–8 PM, June–August):

General Energy-Saving Habits

  1. Shift high-energy tasks (laundry, cooking, water heating) outside peak hours.
  2. Unplug unused appliances - even standby power drains electricity.
  3. Use power strips (multiple adapter) to switch off multiple devices at once.
  4. Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs for efficient lighting.
  5. Use smart plugs and timers to regulate appliance usage.

Heating & Insulation Tips

  1. Layer up with warm clothing instead of relying on heaters.
  2. Use thick curtains to retain indoor heat - open them during sunny hours.
  3. Seal gaps & cracks in doors and windows to reduce heat loss.
  4. Use draught stoppers to block cold air from entering.
  5. Opt for energy-efficient heaters or use blankets instead.

Water Heating Tips

  1. Shower outside peak hours - shift usage to midday when demand is lower.
  2. Lower geyser temperature to around 55–60°C to conserve energy.
  3. Use bucket washing instead of running hot water continuously.
  4. Install a geyser blanket to retain heat longer.
  5. Turn off the geyser when leaving for extended periods.

Kitchen & Cooking Tips

  1. Prepare meals outside peak hours - use slow cookers or batch cooking.
  2. Use lids on pots to speed up cooking and reduce energy waste.
  3. Opt for microwaves or air fryers over traditional ovens for efficiency.
  4. Defrost frozen foods overnight to reduce cooking time.
  5. Boil only the necessary amount of water instead of filling the kettle.

Lighting & Electronics Tips

  1. Use natural daylight instead of artificial lighting where possible.
  2. Switch off lights in unused rooms - motion sensors can help.
  3. Use energy-saving bulbs (CFL or LED) for longer-lasting efficiency.
  4. Dim brightness on TV screens & electronics to reduce power usage.
  5. Turn off Wi-Fi routers at night if not needed.

Laundry & Appliances Tips

  1. Wash clothes in cold water to save heating energy.
  2. Run washing machines & dishwashers outside peak hours.
  3. Dry clothes in the sun instead of using electric dryers.
  4. Clean appliance filters regularly to ensure efficiency.
  5. Use eco-mode settings where available.

Smart Load Management Strategies

  1. Use rechargeable batteries for small devices to reduce dependence on main power.
  2. Charge phones & devices during off-peak hours.
  3. Encourage family participation in shifting electricity use together.
  4. Monitor usage with smart meters to identify high-energy consumption patterns.
  5. Spread awareness through community and social groups.

SECTION D

WHY DOES POWER NETWORK TRIP WHEN OVERLOADED?

During peak season (June–August), electricity demand surges; heaters, geysers, stoves, and other high-energy appliances run simultaneously, leading to network strain. Power trips due to overload protection mechanisms, which are designed to:

  1. Prevent overheating of transformers, cables, and electrical lines.
  2. Avoid equipment damage that could lead to prolonged outages.
  3. Maintain grid stability by cutting power before the system reaches a dangerous threshold.
  4. Safeguard households from electrical fires caused by excessive current flow.

 

What Happens If Power Doesn’t Trip During Overload?

If the grid does NOT trip when strained, the consequences can be severe:

1. Equipment Damage & Blackouts

  1. Transformers & cables could overheat and permanently fail, leading to extensive repairs and prolonged outages lasting days or weeks.
  2. Grid collapse - unchecked demand could cause nationwide blackouts without tripping mechanisms, requiring complex system restoration.

2. Electrical Fires & Safety Hazards

  1. Household wiring could overheat, igniting electrical fires, endangering lives and property.
  2. Appliances could burn out - sensitive electronics may fry if voltage instability persists.

3. Financial & Economic Impact

  1. Businesses would suffer interruptions, causing losses in productivity and economic strain.
  2. Emergency repairs on damaged infrastructure could cost millions, increasing electricity tariffs in the long run.

4. Unstable Power Supply & Recurring Failures

  1. Without controlled load management, the power supply would become unpredictable, leading to frequent outages at random times instead of managed interruptions.

Conclusion: Why Load Management Matters

Load management exists to prevent these worst-case scenarios, ensuring power trips safely when needed instead of letting the entire system collapse. By practicing load shifting, consumers can help stabilize the grid, reduce outages, and preserve reliable electricity during high-demand periods.

This is why cooperating with load management efforts is crucial. Everyone plays a role in ensuring a stable and sustainable electricity supply for the nation!

 

SECTION E

UNDERSTANDING THE CRITERIA FOR LOAD MANAGEMENT SCHEDULING

In an effort to maintain grid stability during peak winter months (June–August), EEC will implement a load management schedule that allows for structured energy conservation while minimizing disruption. This schedule will be published in advance to ensure that affected consumers can prepare accordingly.

The criteria for designing the load management schedule are based on the following key considerations:

1. Peak Demand Patterns

  1. Load management is structured around peak electricity consumption times: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  2. Areas with consistently high energy demand during these periods may be prioritized for load management to prevent system overload.

2. Grid Capacity & Infrastructure Limits

  1. Some regions are more vulnerable to overload due to infrastructure limitations or proximity to high-consumption zones.
  2. Areas with older electrical networks may require proactive intervention to prevent major faults.

3. Fair & Rotational Scheduling

  1. Load management will be rotated among different areas to ensure fairness, preventing repeated disruptions in the same locations.
  2. The schedule follows an equitable distribution approach, meaning no single area should bear the brunt of multiple outages unless necessary.

4. Critical Services & Exempted Zones

  1. Hospitals, security, emergency services, and essential infrastructure (such as water treatment plants) will be given priority for uninterrupted power supply.
  2. Exceptions may be applied based on public service needs and special operational requirements.

5. Consumer Density & Usage Profiles

  1. Areas with higher residential energy use during peak hours may be scheduled for earlier interventions.
  2. Industrial and commercial zones with strategic production needs will have tailored management plans to minimize economic impact.

6. Weather & Seasonal Adjustments

  1. Load management schedules may be adjusted based on actual weather conditions, such as extreme cold spells that unexpectedly increase electricity demand.
  2. Data analytics from previous years’ peak season patterns will help fine-tune scheduling for improved efficiency.

Conclusion

EEC aims to preserve grid stability, prevent unexpected blackouts, and ensure fair electricity distribution across all regions by implementing planned load management based on objective criteria. Consumers are encouraged to stay updated through official notifications and schedules to plan their electricity usage efficiently.