There is a low risk of rotational load shedding during the course of today, with the probability of it increasing in the evening.
“There is a low probability of rotational load shedding during the day but increases for the evening peak period from 5pm to 9pm due to the normal expected increase in demand,” said Eskom.
In its statement on Tuesday, the power utility said it will advise if load shedding will be conducted in either stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 -- dependent on the capacity shortage.
Load shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.
Stage 1 requires 1 000MW to be rotationally load shed nationwide. 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.
Eskom encouraged residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly to ease the demand of electricity.
“Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand,” the company said.
Last week, the power utility said the probability of load shedding was high for the weekend, as recovery of the power system is set to take approximately 30 days.
It was reported yesterday that Eskom workers have until Wednesday to accept or reject a new wage offer that includes one-off cash payments of R10 000.
The power utility is in wage negotiations with its three unions, namely Solidarity, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). – SAnews.gov.za
