Category Archives: Power Quality Matters
Power Quality Matters involve detecting phase imbalances and ensuring that all phasors have equal magnitudes and are symmetrically phase-shifted by 120 degrees relative to each other.
Best Practices, Consulting Services, Power Quality Matters
Eskom at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need for Reform
May
Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, stands at a critical juncture. Years of financial strain, operational inefficiencies, and infrastructure challenges have left the country grappling with persistent energy shortages and rolling blackouts. As power demand continues to rise, Eskom’s ability to provide reliable electricity has become a growing concern, impacting businesses, households, and the nation’s […]
May
On April 2, 2024, Agulhas Utilities Corporation published a thought-provoking blog article titled “Compensating for Power Quality Issues Caused by Power Electronics Devices.” In this article, we highlighted the significant impact that extensive use of power electronics devices has on power quality, specifically causing voltage sags and swells (frequency swings). We also outlined several methods […]
Jan
Power quality is a vital component of any electrical system, ensuring that devices function smoothly, efficiently, and without interruptions. When power quality issues emerge, they can lead to costly equipment malfunctions, decreased operational efficiency, and even pose serious safety risks. In these situations, consulting experts like Agulhas Utilities Corporation are essential for diagnosing and resolving […]
Jan
To proficiently conduct Symmetrical Component Analysis of power systems, one must possess a solid foundation in electrical engineering. Typically, this requires earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering, wherein specialized courses in power system analysis and symmetrical components constitute the core of the curriculum. Alternatively, an individual with an in-depth understanding of Power System Analysis […]
Nov
Understanding the criteria for evaluating electricity tariff increases is essential for ensuring fair and equitable pricing within the energy sector. This comprehensive guide covers the key factors that regulators and utility companies consider when assessing proposed tariff adjustments. You will explore the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tariff changes, as well as the methodologies […]
Oct
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is entrusted with a vital mandate: overseeing the electricity sector, enforcing national standards, and safeguarding consumer rights. A key aspect of this responsibility is managing customer complaints, particularly those related to poor power quality—a growing concern that can cause significant inconvenience and financial losses. However, NERSA’s ability […]
Over the past few months, it has become increasingly clear that the Electric Power Industry in South Africa is in dire need of reform. Insights shared through various channels, including emails and LinkedIn discussions, underscore the urgency for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework governing this vital sector. One of the most crucial steps […]
Best Practices, Power Quality Matters
Addressing Ongoing Concerns: The State of My Complaint Against City Power Johannesburg
Oct
I am compelled to bring attention once more to the unresolved and dishearteningly poor service I have experienced with City Power Johannesburg. Despite my formal complaint to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on April 15, 2024, my concerns have languished without effective resolution. The lack of substantial action to address the significant […]
Power Quality Consulting, Power Quality Monitoring
The Challenges in Managing South Africa’s Electricity Sector
Oct
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) stands at a critical crossroads in the nation’s energy landscape. Tasked with overseeing the electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines sectors, NERSA’s mandate is clear: to ensure a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply for the country. Yet, in the face of South Africa’s deepening electricity crisis, NERSA’s […]