There goes your Sunday – Eskom warns of possible load shedding later

Eskom has once again appealed to the public to reduce their electricity usage. This is after they confirmed not anticipating having to implement load shedding this weekend.

On Sunday, the power utility said the power system is under “severe constraint” due to the persistent shortage in generation capacity. Adding that the supply constraints are caused by the high breakdowns in generation units and “high winter demands”.

“While no load shedding is anticipated at this point. Eskom could be forced to implement stage 1 load shedding, or, if necessary, stage 2 at short notice should any further breakdowns occur any further. This most likely to occur between 17:00 and 20:00 in the evening.”

Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha told The Citizen last Friday this was because the power system had improved.

He said South Africans should also not expect rolling blackouts on Friday afternoon.

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“The outlook for today [Friday] and indeed for the weekend has improved. That’s because demand is lower due to the weekend and that starts dropping during midday today,” Mantshantsha said.

Last week, Eskom implemented stage 1 load shedding after a shortage in generation capacity.

Compiled by Sandisiwe Mbhele