![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2014/05/powerlines1-e1400162779979.jpg)
The dark spectre of loadshedding looms this winter, with Eskom issuing an urgent call to customers on Thursday to switch off as much as possible to avoid power cuts.
“The power system is severely constrained today due to the unavailability of some of our generating units, and Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off electrical heaters, geysers, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances,” said Eskom in a statement on Thursday.
“We require voluntary savings of at least 10 percent in order to manage demand.”
Eskom said it had noted demand rising during peak hours as the cold weather set in with the approach of winter.
“Eskom will utilise all necessary emergency resources at its disposal, but should the demand not decrease, load shedding will be implemented as a last resort to protect the national grid from a total shutdown,” said Eskom.
Eskom’s load shedding tables for eThekwini can be found here.