The system remains constrained and vulnerable, with generating plant performing at very low levels of reliability.
With unplanned breakdowns from 7.30am, the probability of load shedding remains, but will only be implemented if absolutely necessary. There is sufficient diesel for open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if required.
The Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system closely. A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can help to avoid or lessen the level of load shedding.
Customers are urged to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly by doing the following:
• Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
• Switch off your geysers over peak periods
• Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time
• Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use
• At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid standby or sleep mode
Customers are advised to check their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites.