Heat wave has potential to impact power supply. Image via Adobe Stock
City Power explains how HEAT WAVE affects electricity supply
City Power elaborates that electricity demand reaches its highest and strain increases, leading to outage trips during a heat wave.
Heat wave has potential to impact power supply. Image via Adobe Stock
While many were under the impression that cold weather exacerbates the demand for electricity, it turns out the heat wave is no different, according to City Power.
CITY POWER ELABORATES HOW THE HEAT WAVE IS A THREAT
City of Johannesburg energy supplier, City Power raised eyebrows today after the entity alluded that electricity supply challenges may also be factored by the heat wave.
“DID YOU KNOW Heat Wave has an impact on electricity distribution and transmission? The demand for electricity increases as customers find ways to cool off using air-cons, fans, and pools that use power-guzzling pumps,” City Power explained.
“Electricity demand reaches its highest and strain increases leading to outage trips. Generally, plants perform at their lowest during extreme heat weather conditions and affect the reliability of the system,” City Power further explained.
LOAD SHEDDING ADDING TO THE HEAT PROBLEM
To add salt to the wound, the country is currently experiencing Stage 4 Load Shedding, and the heat wave isn’t doing the country any better as power supply might be compromised.
ALSO READ: City Power promises to intensify efforts to curb ongoing power outages
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has stated that South Africans should be prepared for warmer temperatures and the possibility of heat waves throughout summer. As reported by the South African Government News Agency, the interior of the country is predicted to have the highest chance of heat waves between December 2023 and February 2024.
- ALSO READ: WEATHER: Weird wind to fuel wildfires and heatwaves in parts of SA
- ALSO READ: Weather forecast live updates
BRACE YOURSELF FOR HOTTER DAYS
South Africans should brace themselves as the weather will start to get warmer leading up to the summer months.
Although summer in South Africa technically begins in December, there has already been a heat wave this week. As previously reported by The South African, high pressure over Northern South Africa has brought on heat and dry conditions.
The SAWS lead scientist Dr Christien Engelbrecht has also stated that El Niño events could bring on unpredictable weather across the province.
ALSO READ: Brace yourself: MORE heat waves are predicted this summer
