Eskom will implement load-shedding as of 10am this morning, it said on Thursday.
“Eskom will implement stage 2 load shedding from 10:00 today, which is likely to continue until 22:00 this evening. If there is a need to move to stage 3, we will communicate accordingly. This is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages.”
Stage 2 load shedding requires a reduction of about 2000MW – meaning that although certain areas will be without electricity for a certain period, about 93% of South Africans will still continue to receive full power supply at that time.
“We request all customers to assist us in managing demand by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce electricity demand and thus alleviate pressure on the electricity grid.”
Eskom implements load shedding as a last resort to protect the national grid from a total shutdown.
“We utilise all necessary emergency resources at our disposal, but if demand does not decrease, we implement load shedding,” it said.
Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.
Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (http:// loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers. Eskom customers can also contact the customer call centre 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.
On Monday, in its state of the power system report, the utility said that the electricity supply system will remain vulnerable for the rest of the week due to a shortage of generating capacity. – SAnews.gov.za
