Pretoria - Eskom is to implement stage 2 load-shedding from midday today due to a shortage of generation capacity, it confirmed on Thursday.
“Eskom will implement stage 2 load shedding from 12:00 today, which is likely to continue until 22:00 this evening. This is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages,” it said in a statement.
Thursday’s load-shedding follows after South Africans were plunged into darkness on Wednesday when the power utility implemented stage 2 load-shedding.
Stage 2 load shedding requires a reduction of about 2000MW – meaning that although certain areas will be without electricity for a certain period, about 93% of South Africans will still continue to receive full power supply at that time.
“Any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage at short notice.”
Eskom also assured customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system from a complete blackout.
“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.
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 our customer call centre 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information. - SAnews.gov.za
