Pretoria - Eskom has implemented stage 1 load shedding due to increased electricity demand and a shortage of generation capacity from low diesel levels at its open cycle gas turbines.
The utility on Wednesday 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 supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.
The load shedding, which kicked off at 8:30am, is likely to continue until 10pm tonight.
Any unexpected changes on the vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the load shedding stage at short notice.
“As we are currently experiencing cold weather conditions across the country, we urge electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm,” said Eskom.
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
