Eskom to implement loadshedding

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Pretoria- Eskom will implement loadshedding at 4pm this afternoon due to a shortage of generating capacity.

“Eskom will implement stage 1 loadshedding at 4pm and then move to stage 2 at 5pm until 10pm this evening. This is due to a shortage of generating capacity as several units are currently out of service due to maintenance," Eskom said in a statement.

Stage 1 loadshedding allows for up to 1 000MW to be shed off the grid, while stage 2 allows for up to 2 000MW to be shed. Stage 3 loadshedding allows for up to 4 000MW to be shed.

This is the third day in a row that the power utility will implement loadshedding.

“It is important to note that Eskom implements loadshedding as a necessary measure to protect the power system and to ensure that maintenance is carried out in order to guarantee that our supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term,” said the utility.

Eskom called on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce electricity demand.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also 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.

Loadshedding schedules are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or customers can contact the call centre on 0860 037 566.

Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information. –SAnews.gov.za