The risk of load shedding tonight has moved from Stage 1 to Stage 2, Eskom said on Wednesday afternoon.
In an update, the power utility said load shedding will only be implemented if absolutely necessary.
”There is a high probability of Stage 2 rotational load shedding this evening from 5pm to 9pm as a result of the effects of the industrial action which continues to impact operations at Eskom’s sites,” it said.
Stage 2 load shedding calls for 2000MW to be rotationally load shed nationally at a given period.
Load shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.
“We encourage residents and businesses to please use electricity sparingly to ease the demand of electricity. Please switch off geysers during the day as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.”
Eskom advised customers to keep checking their load shedding schedules on its website 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 customer contact centre at 0860 037 566.
Meanwhile, wage negotiations between Eskom and its employees got underway today under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Eskom met with the three labour unions - namely, Solidarity, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) - in order to find a speedy resolution to the current impasse around wage negotiations. – SAnews.gov.za
