Pretoria - Due to a shortage of generating capacity, Eskom is today implementing stage 1 load shedding and curtailment.
Load shedding and load curtailment was implemented from 6am and is expected to last until 10pm.
“The electricity supply system remains very constrained and vulnerable due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages,” said the power parastatal on Friday.
Stage one 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.
This is the sixth consecutive day of load shedding.
Eskom assured customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system and additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load shedding at short notice.
In its system status bulletin on Thursday evening, the utility said that the electricity supply system remains very vulnerable for the rest of the week as the cold weather sets in with showers forecast for the weekend.
The power utility 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.
“We would like to thank all customers who continue to use electricity sparingly. Every little bit of saving counts as it reduces the severity of load shedding,” said Eskom.
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 on 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 its customer call centre on 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information. - SAnews.gov.za
