Brace for a weekend of darkness – Here’s your load shedding schedule for the weekend

Eskom has announced stage 5 load shedding from 5am on Saturday until 4pm, due to ‘lower demand’.  

The utility said it would then implement stage 6 load shedding from 4pm Saturday until 5am Sunday.

“Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Sunday, followed by stage 6 load shedding until 5am on Monday.

“Eskom will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.”

Schedule:

ALSO READ: Eskom to implement stage 6 load shedding from 4pm on Wednesday

Previous load shedding

On Wednesday, Eskom announced stage 6 load shedding would be implemented from 4pm on until 5am on Thursday. Thereafter, stage 5 load shedding was implemented until 4pm on Thursday.

The power utility said breakdowns are currently at 17 093MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 6 392MW.

“Over the past 24 hours, a generation unit each at Kendal and Lethabo power stations were returned to service.

“In the same period, two generating units at Camden Power Station were taken offline for repairs. The delays in returning a unit to service at Kendal, Tutuka and two units at Medupi power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints and the team is working around the clock to ensure that these units are returned to service as soon as possible.”

Here are some load shedding survival tips:

For example to:

• Check whether your local supermarket has a generator. Even if it does, check whether the food fridges are cold. Also, beware of sudden “specials” on food. No-one wants to spend the hours of darkness hunched over a toilet in intestinal agony.
• Consider adjusting your fridge’s thermostat to its coldest setting and keep the most perishable food in the freezer. Normalise not opening the fridge or freezer every five minutes.
• If you’re planning a supper or lunch, keep the braai as a backup – if it is not your main go-to solution already because load shedding stages are somewhat fluid.
• Speed unlock electric gates or garage doors. It’s cheaper than replacing the batteries, especially because load shedding destroys them faster than the ANC does a state-owned enterprise… and battery makers are no longer giving warranties.

ALSO READ: Load shedding survival guide: Affordable items to lessen impact

• Consider gas (more efficient for cooking and heating), as well as inverters (which give a limited backup when the power goes out) and also an uninterrupted power supply for your Wi-Fi, so you can stay in touch.
• Get lots of warm woollies for winter.
• Go to bed earlier: its better for your physical and mental health.
• Obsessively put your electronic devices, torches and lamps on charge when you are gifted the privilege of electricity.

READ MORE: Load shedding survival hacks