Eskom: Reduce consumption or face load shedding

The power utility has called on all customers to reduce power, saying it needs a reduction of at least 10 percent to manage demand and avoid load shedding.

The power utility warned that while it would use all necessary emergency resources at its disposal, “should the demand not decrease, load shedding will be implemented as a last resort to protect the national grid from a total shutdown”.

The power system was severely constrained on 15 May due to the unavailability of some of Eskom’s generating units due to unplanned outages.

The utility warned that the system would remain constrained into the weekend and next week.

In the event that load shedding is implemented, Eskom would use the load shedding schedules, which were available on its website (www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za).

Municipal customers were advised to consult their respective municipalities for schedules.