Pretoria - Eskom will implement stage 1 load-shedding from 5pm today.
The load-shedding will be implemented due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to maintenance.
“Because of maintenance, the system will not be able to meet 1 000MW of demand, meaning that although certain areas will be without electricity for a certain period, about 96% of South Africans will still continue to receive power supply at the same time,” said the utility on Thursday.
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 the supply of electricity.
“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 its customer call centre on 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information. –SAnews.gov.za
