No description available.

M.Comm.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Management Studies / Master / Master of Business Administration

published_or_final_version / abstract / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

Abstract not available

Demand side management (DSM) interventions aim to influence the way electricity is used by customers through specific actions and programmes. A desired load shape is achieved by encouraging electricity users to consume more electricity at times when excess capacity is available and less during times of constraints. In South Africa, load management is a fixed response between 18:00 and 20:00 and includes load shifting and load curtailment out of the Time of Use (TOU) tariff peak period. Demand Market Participation (DMP), on the other hand, is a more flexible curtailment initiative and is scheduled day ahead only if constraints are expected. This study evaluates the effectiveness of load management and DMP initiatives and proposes an optimised approach. Customer responses to the TOU tariff and the alignment of system and tariff peaks were investigated by making use of TOU metering and system sent out data. The research shows that not all customers respond to the TOU tariff signal. System peaks and TOU tariff peaks are aligned however a number of system peaks occur out of the tariff peak periods. The research further shows that load management and DMP initiatives shift and curtail load effectively. Load management initiatives with an energy efficient component are very effective and highlight the importance of energy efficiency as a whole. Historical system sent out data was analysed and the results show that a significant number of load management initiatives can become more dynamic. It was further evident that curtailment initiatives contribute more to the system than load shifting initiatives. Load management initiatives are initiated by TOU tariff peaks and not system peaks. Load management initiatives could therefore be optimised if system constraints are used as a reference and not TOU periods. It was also evident that load shifting initiatives do not add much value during the low-demand seasons. The results of this study could be utilised to improve DSM initiatives. This study also serves to influence future DSM strategies which will embrace a sustainable DSM programme. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

In January 2008 the South African power grid operated by Eskom became severely constrained because electricity demand exceeded supply. Following the immediate measure of load shedding, Eskom implemented a medium term strategy of Power Conservation to encourage consumers to reduce their power usage so that overall demand could be managed. Despite the extensive campaigns the 10% electricity savings target was not met in 2008. The aim of this study was to review the experiences of other countries that had successfully implemented Power Conservation Programmes and to research the different approaches that were taken in other countries to encourage behaviour change. A survey and quantitative analysis was undertaken on a sample of electricity consumers within the eThekwini Municipality Central Region to gauge the response of consumers to the power conservation campaigns conducted within the municipality. The analysis was done to determine how the response had varied among the various groups by taking into account demographic factors like age, gender and income level. The population of the sample frame was estimated at 15 000 customers. Two hundred and eighty responses were received and analysed. A salient finding of the study was that the majority of respondents were aware of the reasons for power conservation and the campaigns undertaken, but that there was a preference for Government to lead the initiative and subsidise the required savings measures. A second important finding was that different demographic groups implemented different savings measures, for different reasons and preferred different strategies to encourage savings. The main recommendations made were that Government should lead the savings drive, with customised campaigns for different demographic groups. The campaigns should place greater emphasis on the financial benefits to be gained. It was necessary for new and different savings measures to be communicated. Further, the was a need for Government to introduce legislation to enforce electricity savings. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.