Knysna Media Release: Generators should not cause a nuisance

Generators should not cause a nuisance

After a short respite from extended high stages of load-shedding, it seems as if South Africans are heading into another winter with consistent electricity interruptions. Generators remain a popular source of alternative energy amongst residents and businesses, and Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola urged users to be considerate of their neighbors when making use of their generators, and to adhere to installation regulations.

“Alternative energy sources must be registered with the municipal electricity department,” said Sebola. “Generators may only be installed in compliance with SANS 10142-1 of 2017, which is concerned with ensuring the basic safety of electrical installations, and ISO 8528-13 of 2016, which specifies the safety requirements for reciprocating internal combustion engine-driven generating sets up to 1 000 V.”

“Installation, and the use of generators, must fall within the parameters of the Knysna Municipality Air Quality Management Plan, and must adhere to the Western Cape Noise Control Act of 2013 and the Knysna Municipality By-Law for the Prevention of Public Nuisances,” he continued. “Failure to comply with these laws is a criminal offense and the necessary steps will be taken against any alleged transgressors.”

“We cannot impede anyone’s enjoyment of their property or the right to trade, but your neighbors have the same right to enjoy their property,” he said. “Responsible users will consult with their neighbors before installing a generator and will ensure that their generator does not produce excessive noise, smoke, or fumes. Please do not leave your generator running unnecessarily once power has been restored.”

“We need to be more neighborly towards one another in all aspects of our daily lives, and considering your neighbors’ comfort when using your generator is an easy way to do so. Equally so, it would also be neighborly to grant your neighbors the use of their generator if they are lucky enough to have an alternative power source – and they use it within the parameters of the law.”

“Loadshedding dims everyone’s enjoyment of life. Please don’t make your neighbor’s life more difficult with an excessively noisy generator that emits high levels of harmful smoke and fumes, or by complaining unnecessarily about the expected – and allowed – noise levels when your neighbor’s generator is in use,” Sebola concluded. “We are all in this together. Let’s be more considerate, kind, and neighborly.”

To register your alternative power source, contact Tholi Biyela, Manager of Electrical & Mechanical Services at tbiyela@knysna.gov.za or tel 044 302 6409.

Noise pollution specifically related to generators can be reported to the municipality’s Senior Pollution Control Officer, Ms Natalie Salmons at nsalmons@knysna.gov.za or tel 044 302 6238.