Pretoria - Eskom says it expects Saturday’s stage 2 load shedding and load curtailment to last until 10pm.
Load shedding started at 8am.
The power utility says 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.
“Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system.
“Any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load shedding at short notice. We will communicate if there is a need to change stages,” Eskom said in a statement.
Eskom also called on all its 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,” Eskom said.
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 that are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers.
Eskom customers can also contact the customer call centre on 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers are advised to contact their municipalities for information. – SAnews.gov.za
