Eskom is engaging the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to facilitate engagement between the organisation and union leaders to resolve the ongoing industrial action.
“Eskom has sought the services of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to facilitate the engagement between the organisation and union leaders to resolve the impasse. We are hopeful that all parties will put South Africa first as we endeavour to find an amicable solution,” said the power utility in a statement on Tuesday.
The power utility further warned of the probability of Stage 1 load shedding this evening. Should it be implemented, load shedding will get underway from 5pm to 9pm.
The power utility said the risk of load shedding remains as a result of the current industrial action at Eskom power stations, which has impacted operations.
The industrial action is as a result of Eskom and the trade unions not finding each other at the Central Bargaining Forum (CBF) last week Friday, where the unions planned to provide feedback on the wage offer Eskom tabled on 17 July 2018.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Services (SAPS) has been mobilised to maintain order and to enable safe access to power stations as these are National Key Points.
Eskom will advise if load shedding will be conducted in either stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 or stage 4, dependent on the capacity shortage.
Stage 1 requires 1 000MW to be rotationally load shed nation-wide, stage 2 requires 2 000MW, stage 3 requires 3 000MW and stage 4 calls for up to 4 000MW to be rotationally load shed nationally at a given period.
The power utility encouraged residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly to ease the demand of electricity.
It called on electricity users to switch off geysers during the day, especially during peak periods (05:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 22:00) as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.
“Customers are advised to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal website, and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.”
For Eskom customers, these schedules are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za). Eskom customers can also contact the contact centre at 0860 037 566. - SAnews.gov.za
