DSM can be defined as measures taken by the utility to reduce a customer's energy demand through improvements in the way in which energy is used. DSM measures include insulation programmes, high efficiency motors and lighting, timers on water heaters, direct load control, differential tariff pricing and interruptible service. SEC has a demand side management programme that was initiated in 2008. There is a team that was appointed to run the programme consisting of Marketing, Distribution, National Control Centre (NCC) and Environment Department.

There is a drive within SEC to educate the public and private sector on the use energy efficient appliances or gadgets and energy conservation methods. Various media sources have been used. There are radio programmes weekly and road shows which are conducted fortnightly countrywide. Internally energy saving tips are disseminated through intranet and emails. Externally interactive voice recorded messages on energy efficiency are used through the telephone system.

The energy efficiency measures currently in this programme are as follows:

• Energy saving bulbs - The Company is encouraging the nation to utilize compact fluorescent lighting. The use of CFLs has been observed to rise steadily.
• Time of use tariff - the company has also introduced time of use tariff for industrial customers.
• Prepaid metering / smart meters - this programme has been rolled out to Approximately 90% of residential areas in Swaziland have prepaid meters.

These measures may have substantial benefits for customers, society and the utility. SEC's DSM programme has helped customers to reduce their energy consumption, thus reducing their overall bills. The large power users through the time of use tariff are managing their consumption patterns during peak and off peak hours and hence reducing their bills and the system demand. The utility recovers the cost of these measures through savings in the cost of supplying electricity and through tariff increases.

The implementation of this DSM programme is contributing significantly to the minimization of climate change impacts. The company in 2011 took part in the commemoration of the earth hour 2011. A 10% reduction on energy demand was realized on, Saturday 2011, March 26. This was a great achievement for the company and the nation at large towards combating climate change. There is awareness raising going on beyond the earth hour initiative in road shows and through the media.