Geyser ripple-control testing in Cape Town: What residents need to know

The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate will resume testing of its geyser ripple-control systems from Monday, January 26 to Friday,  February 6 in selected areas, including Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West, Durbanville, Eversdal, Langverwacht, Kuils River, Kraaifontein (Marais), Uitkamp, and surrounding suburbs.

The testing involves remotely switching identified geysers on and off between 7pm and 9pm, with geysers returning to normal operation after 9pm. Residents do not need to take any action, though they may hear a clicking noise from the load control relay operating box near their electrical distribution boards during the test.

Ripple-control systems, mainly installed in the eastern metro suburbs from 1978 onwards, allow the City to manage electricity demand by controlling residential geysers during peak hours, helping to reduce costs.

"In accordance with the regulations, the ripple-control testing checks that there is a working signal command from the City’s electrical substation points to the residential ripple-controlled geyser, and this test is required as part of maintaining electrical infrastructure," the City stated.

Residents experiencing issues with water heating after testing can contact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for assistance.

This testing forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable and efficient electricity supply.