Pretoria - Eskom will implement stage 1 load-shedding at 4pm this afternoon due to a shortage of generating capacity, Eskom confirmed on Tuesday.
“Eskom will implement stage 1 load shedding at 4pm and then move to stage 2 at 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.”
The entity said it’s important to note that it 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,” said the utility.
Stage one load shedding allows for up to 1 000MW to be shed off the grid, while stage two allows for up to 2 000MW to be shed. Stage three of load shedding allows for up to 4 000MW to be shed.
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 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information. - SAnews.gov.za
