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said the system which operates in the same way as load-shedding is expected to save about 10 megawatts of electricity.
The saved energy is enough to cover 100 high-density households.

“The ripple control system automatically switches off geysers during peak hours that is between 4-8 am and 4-8pm and this should save us electricity enough to service, for example Warren Park 1 suburb.”

Mr Gwasira, however, said the system is only found in houses built before the 1990s. He said the power utility is now working on spreading the system to houses built after that period.

“All the houses built after the 1990s do not have the ripple control system but we are working on how to spread the system as it greatly saves energy.”

Areas using the system are Highlands, Glen Lorne, Chishawasha, Greystone Park, Strathaven, Malbereign, Avondale and Milton Park.

“Electricity supply has improved significantly but even if all our power stations were operating on full capacity, we would produce 1 900 megawatts which falls short of demand which is 2 200 megawatts.”

Mr Gwasira said when the system is extended to all suburbs it will save up to 27 megawatts of electricity a day.