Neura has started installing its Tjommie smart geyser management devices across Nelson Mandela Bay to cut peak electricity demand on South Africa’s grid.
The rollout began in suburbs including Summerstrand, Despatch, Walmer and Central. CEO Ignus du Toit said the company has also secured work in Cape Town and Ekurhuleni, with talks continuing in other metros.
Tjommie devices attach to household distribution boards and use cellular links to track geyser heating cycles. Algorithms create a “hot water index” that decides when units can be switched off without leaving residents without hot water.
The programme forms part of Eskom’s Distributed Demand Management Programme. Municipalities gain from lower peak-time purchase costs, although households on flat tariffs see no immediate bill reduction.
Installations are compulsory under existing regulations, yet the company stresses it seeks resident cooperation. Installers carry identification and police clearances.