Another weekend of load shedding expected

According to the power utility, load shedding would be implemented in Stage 2 on 29 and 30 November.

In a series of tweets, the power utility outlined load shedding plans for the weekend, which would include forced outages from 6am to 10pm on 29 November and from 8am to 10pm on 30 November.

In a statement released by the power utility on 27 November, it alluded to potential forced power outages this weekend.

“The system is expected to remain tight over the evening peaks for the next few days. While the demand for electricity is expected to be met today [27 November] and tomorrow [28 November], there is a very high risk of load shedding over the weekend,” Eskom said.

According to the power utility, a portion of the capacity normally imported from Cahora Bassa in Mozambique would be unavailable on 30 November as the plant undergoes urgent planned maintenance.

The weekend would also be used to build up water reserves for the pumped storage schemes, which use water to generate electricity.

Eskom added that it also needed to conserve diesel supplies for the week ahead.

The weekend was deliberately targeted to conduct load shedding, should the need arise, in order to limit the impact on the economy, Eskom explained.

Eskom called on the public to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to alleviate the pressure on the system and limit the need for load shedding.

Eskom’s load shedding schedules were available for Eskom direct customers on the website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za); alternatively customers could contact the utility’s call centre on 086 003 7566 for additional information.

City Power customers could access schedules specific to their suburb by clicking here.