Eskom calls for emergency load-shedding

ESKOM announced in a media statement today, Thursday, 20 February, that its power system is severely constrained due to the loss of additional generating units from its power station fleet, reduced imports and the extensive use of emergency reserves. This has necessitated the need for Eskom to declare an emergency in terms of the approved regulatory protocols, as a measure to protect the national electricity grid.

Eskom said it would follow protocol in terms of its emergency procedures in order to secure the power system. Eskom’s industrial customers have been alerted to the emergency situation and they are required to reduce their load by a minimum of 10 percent as from 2pm today (Thursday, 20 February.) This is to be reviewed to determine the way forward.

It said every effort would be made to avoid load-shedding and that it hoped that applying these measures together with support from all electricity consumers, it would achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid.

It appealed to all its commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and retail outlets to immediately switch off geysers and to adjust air-conditioning temperature levels to 23C.  As workers leave office buildings they are requested to switch off lights with the exception of security lighting, and avoid leaving air-conditioning on overnight.

Residential consumers are urged to switch off geysers, air conditioners, lights and non-essential appliances from 5pm to 9pm.

As a precautionary measure, Eskom’s load-shedding schedules are available for Eskom direct customers on its website (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/). Customers can also contact the call centre 0860 037 566 for additional information. Load-shedding schedules will only be utilised for the duration of the constraint and Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system.

For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, visit www.eskom.co.za/idm .