Eskom takes aim at inverters

Eskom, the South African power utility, has urged citizens to delay charging their inverter systems to reduce demand on the power grid and prevent escalating load shedding during peak times.

This appeal comes ahead of an anticipated winter period, with load shedding expected to exceed stage 6. Eskom warned that if unplanned outages average 18,000MW during winter, daily load shedding up to stage 8 will be necessary. The utility noted that inverter charging during peak times could increase demand by 1,400MW, equivalent to a whole load-shedding stage.

Eskom recommended charging inverters overnight when demand is lowest or between 10:00 to 14:00 when solar panels reach maximum output. Despite the advice, inverters remain essential during blackouts, providing low-level electricity for necessary functions.

The government encourages energy independence through solar tax incentives, but no rebates exist for alternative power supplies like inverters or batteries. Other energy-saving strategies include investing in load-shedding lights, substituting high-power appliances, and investing in gas stoves and cookers.

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