Eskom plans to install smart meters in 8 million homes to remotely monitor and control geysers to reduce strain on the grid.
- The smart meters will allow Eskom to set operating times for geysers and disconnect homes that exceed usage limits.
- Geysers account for around 10% of Eskom’s capacity and up to 35% during peaks, so reducing geyser demand could alleviate load shedding.
- The government aims to reduce geyser-related demand by at least 1GW, saving up to 3.5GW total.
- The smart meters will enable remote control of geysers via apps and allow Eskom to limit power supply during peaks.
- The CEO of a smart home company said remote geyser management is key to reducing long-term electricity consumption.
- Smart geyser controllers can reduce electricity bills by around 35% and provide alerts for issues like leaks.