Residential Electricity Consumption in Free State Townships: Unravelling the Pandemic Effect

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global electricity consumption patterns, particularly in residential sectors. Such disruptive events, though rare, can lead to unexpected shifts in demand profiles, affecting network planning and design. This study investigates the changes in electricity demand profiles in low-income townships in the Free State, South Africa, during the pandemic. Data from Current-Voltage Monitors (CVMs) installed in these townships were analyzed to examine both average and 99.5th percentile loads. The results revealed fluctuations in demand corresponding to different levels of pandemic-related restrictions. Initial lockdown stages showed marginal changes, but as restrictions eased, demand profiles stabilized at lower levels. These findings are crucial for understanding the effects of restrictions on electricity consumption in low-income areas and for informing the design and planning of resilient residential networks.