ESKOM released a statement warning consumers regarding its strained generating units tripping. After a glitch on Thursday, 8 October evening, users were cautioned to the possibility of load shedding the following day after almost two months of a smooth run.
However, the power utility was able to conduct plant maintenance without the need to implement load shedding. On Monday, 12 October, the system was reported to be constrained but stable, with no load shedding being anticipated.
“Eskom continues to make progress with its programme of planned maintenance but the system remains tight. As daytime temperatures begin to rise, especially between 10am and 5pm, we urge all South Africans to partner with us to save 10 per cent of their electricity usage throughout the day,” they said.
No load shedding was anticipated on Tuesday, 13 October. For more information, visit www.eskom.co.za.
Energy saving tips:
Stoves
Use pressure cookers when preparing foods that take a long time to cook.
Match pots and pans to stove plates. Small pots on large plates waste electricity.
Do not use pots with distorted bottoms.
Switch off the plates or oven before food is fully cooked, allowing completion of cooking at a diminishing heat.
Keep oven doors closed until food is cooked.
Do not preheat the oven. It isn’t necessary to preheat the oven except for food requiring high temperatures and slow cooking times.
Make use of the oven’s leftover heat. Your oven retains heat for 15 to 30 minutes after it is turned off. Use that free heat to warm up desserts, rolls or freshen crackers and cookies.
Glass and ceramic pans retain heat better than metal pans.
Use the self-cleaning feature only when really necessary. Start the self-cleaning cycle right after cooking while the oven is still hot. Less energy will be required to reach cleaning temperature.
Microwave ovens
When you defrost food, leave it in the fridge overnight. You will use less electricity than defrosting food in the microwave.
Use the microwave to cook small to medium quantities of food. For larger portions of meat, it is better to use a conventional oven or pressure cooker.
Freezers
Freezers work harder to remove heat and have to use more power – only 90% of a freezer’s capacity should be used for freezing.
Defrost regularly.
