Eskom urges commercial customers to switch off non-essentials
JOBURG - Due to high electricity demand and the unavailability of some of Eskom's generator units, the company started implementing stage 1 of load shedding on 9 January.
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The utility urged commercial customers to make a difference by switching off non-essential appliances.
Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said, “Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks can make the biggest difference by switching off non-essential lights and not to leave office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after-hours.”
Phasiwe added that Eskom called on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to reduce electricity demand. “As workers leave office buildings this evening we ask that they please switch off the lights, with the exception of security lighting, and avoid leaving on air-conditioning overnight,” he said.
Phasiwe said Eskom would use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website for Eskom customers.
“Eskom customers can also contact our customer call centre 0860 037 566. Municipal customers are urged to contact their local authorities. Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all media platforms,” he concluded.