The Daily News

Are we living 'Out' of 'Ages'? 

The load shedding, outages, shortages, power-cuts, load-cuts, undercuts – call it whatever you want – it's taken a heavy toll on everyone – individuals, households and businesses. The complaints and remarks of almost everyone are echoed with a sense of frustration and deep seated anger. 

I was wondering whether Eskom and the local municipality should consider controlled power cuts during the autumn and spring seasons – avoiding the hot summers when fans and air-conditioners are used extensively, and likewise in the winter months when electric heaters are used most. 

May I also suggest that during the months when the load is most high that only alternate street lights are switched on. A similar programme can be implemented at recreational facilities, parks and public venues to save on electricity. Another consideration for the council is to implement a points system, i.e. those using a certain percentage of electricity will qualify for an uninterrupted power supply. This will motivate people to exercise restraint when consuming electricity.

Yusuf