SA moves to stage 1 load shedding

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Pretoria - Due to a shortage of generating capacity, Eskom will implement stage one load shedding from 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,” said Eskom on Wednesday.

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 power utility assured customers that load shedding is implemented 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.

“Any unexpected changes on the vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the load shedding stage at short notice.”

The 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.

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.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on 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