Tjommie is a smart device that improves the energy efficiency of electricity consumption through optimally managing the load drawn by geysers on the supply network.
This will reduce peak demand when the grid is constrained, improve grid stability and enhance decarbonisation and the sustainability of Eskom and the Municipality.
As pressure on the electricity grid continues to grow, a smarter way to manage energy is here.
Watch below to meet your new Tjom
0860 376 626
www.mytjom.com
Dear Nelson Mandela Bay resident,
South Africa is facing a crippling energy crisis that is impacting every South African. This crisis will sadly still take many years to fully resolve. Whereas loadshedding can often leave us feeling helpless, we are all in fact able to play a small part in solving the country’s energy woes. Whilst the country is not generating enough electricity to always meet the demand, the quickest and cheapest solution is to just better manage what we do have, by being more energy efficient.
Nelson Mandela Bay (“NMB”) residents have historically supported so called Demand Side Management interventions; a total of 110,000 Ripple Relay devices have been installed on the Distribution Boards of homes in the Metro! These devices are used to reduce electricity demand by remotely switching off geysers in times that the country’s demand exceeds its electricity supply. Thanks to the adoption of this measure the Metro avoids one stage of loadshedding. However, due to the frequency and intensity of loadshedding, the current grid management requirements and the age of the system it is no longer as effective as it was when it was first introduced into the Metro. Fortunately, Eskom has launched a National Residential Load Management Programme, that will allow for the replacement of all historic Ripple Relay receivers in NMB with modern technology, aca Tjommie. The Tjommie is the most advanced geyser control device available in the market; it is far more precise, effective and offers both the Metro, as well as the end user, far more functionality than what the legacy system ever did.
We appeal to all NMB residents to please continue to help us help you, by playing your small part in alleviating the country’s energy crisis, and to co-operate with the project to replace all 110,000 Ripple Relay receivers with Tjommies, and to add an additional 20,000 Tjommies to the network.
We thank you in advance for your role in helping us, and your fellow tjommies, to keep the lights on – it’s after all better to share the load than to be loadshed!
Regards,
Your Tjommie in these dark times.
Sharing the load in NMBM since 2024
A Tjommie is a small hardware device installed next to or inside the electrical distribution panel in your home.
Connected to the cloud and powered by AI, Tjommie’s smart algorithms can determine how warm or cold your geyser is and whether it can be switched off to reduce the Metro’s electricity demand, without resulting in cold water. When the country or municipality requires a reduction in load, these geysers will be switched off remotely until the peak demand period passes.
National power generation is particularly constrained during peak periods of high usage in summer times between 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning and in the evenings between 18:00 and 21:00, and in the winter months between 6:00 to 8:00 in the mornings and 17:00 to 20:00 in the evenings.
By reducing peak demand, the existing electrical network capacity will be used more efficiently. This decreases the likelihood of total blackouts. If load reduction is needed due to overloading or technical failures in the national distribution system, it may be possible to avoid blackouts by only switching off the geysers.
The Tjommie app allows users to monitor their geyser’s thermostat status, receive notifications about switching schedules, view terms and conditions, get alerts on potential faults, and communicate with the Tjommie support team for any concerns or issues.
Scan the QR code on your
Tjommie device to get started
The installation of the Tjommie device is quick, convenient, and at no cost to you. Our professional installers, identifiable by their Tjommie-branded gear and ID cards, will set up an appointment directly with you.
The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and involves placing the Tjommie device next to or inside your electrical distribution panel. During the installation, our team will ensure minimal disruption to your daily routine. You can independently verify the installers through this website or our call centre, for added security. Rest assured, this upgrade is designed to help manage your electricity consumption efficiently and reduce the risk of loadshedding.
For further information you can call the Project Call Centre on 0860 376 626 or the Municipality on 041 506 5595.
