Pretoria - Eskom on Monday implemented stage one load shedding due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations.
The utility implemented load shedding as of 11am. Monday’s load shedding is expected to continue up until 10pm.
Stage one of load shedding allows for up to 1 000MW to be shed off the grid, while stage two allows for up to 2 000MW to be shed. Stage three of load shedding allows for up to 4 000MW to be shed.
“Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to reduce electricity demand.
“As workers leave office buildings this evening, we ask that they please switch off the lights, with the exception of security lighting and avoid leaving on air-conditioning overnight,” Eskom said.
The power utility said commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can make the biggest difference by switching off non-essential lights and not to leave office equipment such as photocopiers and computers on standby mode after hours.
Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system. - SAnews.gov.za
