Eskom implements stage 1 load shedding

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Pretoria - Due to a shortage of generating capacity and several units being out of service, Eskom will implement load shedding this morning, it said on Thursday.

“Eskom will implement stage 1 load shedding at 8am until 2pm and then stage 2 will be implemented from 2pm until 10pm this evening. This is due to a shortage of generating capacity as several units are currently out of service due to maintenance,” said the utility.

Stage 1 load shedding 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 load shedding allows for up to 4 000MW to be shed.

The utility implements load shedding as a necessary measure to protect the power system and to ensure that maintenance is carried out in order to guarantee that the supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.

“Eskom calls 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.

This is the fourth day in a row of load shedding.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers. Customers can also contact the call centre on 0860 037 566.

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