Eskom devised a National Emergency Response plan to manage both the demand and supply side of the energy crisis. Load shedding is one of the features of this plan. According to Eskom, “Shortages on the electricity system unbalance the network, which can cause it to collapse. By rotating the load in a planned and controlled manner, the system remains stable.”
The electricity network is a complex grid of interconnected lines and related features. This network transmits power from the points of generation to the points of consumption. Eskom uses GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to manage the network.
A GIS comprises hardware, software, a geodatabase and personnel. The geodatabase is the key component of the GIS. The geodatabase stores multiple digitized data sources such as attribute tables, geographic features and information about the spatial interrelations between them, satellite and aerial imagery, surface modeling data, and survey measurements. Click this link to find out more about geodatabases - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodatabase
The GIS technology enables the Eskom personnel to locate underground pipes and cables, balance the load, plan maintenance, track energy use, and track faults.
Initially, Eskom informed consumers about possible power cuts by using a colour-coded monitor on the TV stations and on their web site. Since 31 March, Eskom implemented scheduled load shedding, which will extend to July 2008.
To generate the load shedding schedules, personnel query the database by entering an attribute or a number of attributes. The database creates a result in a table. The table can be imported into spreadsheet software so that additional data can be added.
Click here to access the Eskom load shedding schedules
http://www.eskom.co.za/live/LoadSheddingNew.php?Item_ID=6219
Many the municipalities, including the City of Cape Town, buy electricity from Eskom.
Click here to access the City of Cape Town load shedding schedules and maps
http://www.capetown.gov.za/wcmsTemplates/Electricity.aspx?clusid=458&catparent=6086&IDpathString=5992-6086
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1 comment:
Very interesting information, just showing again how GIS influences each one's life. Any suggestions on how a teacher can use this information in class?
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