Living without Electricity
THE COST OF LIVING WITHOUT ELECTRICITY
Millions of South Africans do not have access to electricity and have to rely on otheir fuels to meet their energy needs
Fuels used include: paraffin, gas, coal, candles, wood, car batteries, dry cells, petrol and diesel.
ELECTRIFICATION AS ENERGY SUPPLY OPTION
Electricity is considered to be the most suitable energy supply option.
However, as an energy source electricity has advantages and disadvantages. Factors that could be considered are cost, hazards, transportation, maintenance and pollution.
ADVANTAGES INCLUDES:
-Versatile energy source which can power many different appliances, can provide good heating and lighting.
-Cheap to use in comparison to other fuels. (Except for using coal in the Transvaal, and wood which is collected by users)
-Less hazardous than liquid fuels or gas
-Does not have to be transported by user
-Pollutes only at source, suppliers problems
DISADVANTAGES INCLUDES
-Distribution and installation cost are relatively expensive, especially distribution in rural areas.
-Appliances are expensive
-Professional repair and maintenance required.
GETTING POWER TO THE PEOPLE
The National Electricity Grid
South Africa has an extensive electricity grid.
This map shows South Africa’s national grid.
The symbol D indicates the location of Eskom’s coal-fired power station, including those that have been shut down
(mothballed) because Eskom can produce more electricity than it can sell.
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NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID
st power stations are connected to the national electricity grid network. Electricity generated in one part of the country is transmitted to other areas. The main reason for this is that it is cheaper to transmit electricity than transport coal long distance.
The grid is owned and maintained by Eskom and extends beyond South Africa’s borders.
Most of South Africa’s electrical power is generated in the Eastern Transvaal Highveld as most of the coal reserves are situated in this region
It is impossible to know which power station your electricity comes from. If one power station breaks down or needs to be overhauled the grid will still be able to provide electricity. The national grid comprises of high voltage powerlines which
Distribute electrical power to various region of the country. Not all sections of the grid operate at the same voltage. The main transmission system operates at 765 kV, 400 kV, 275Kv and 220 kV.
What is the advantage of transmitting electricity at high voltage, i.e. from 220 kV to 765 k V?
Very high voltages are used for transmitting electricity over long distance, because this reduces the energy losses caused by the resistance of the cable. The energy losses due to the heating effect of current are proportional.