Load shedding: advice
While consumers in the city experienced load shedding during the weekend, Eskom warned in a press release that its outlook forecasts showed that load shedding was likely to happen on a regular basis for the foreseeable future until the reserve margin was adequate.
POLOKWANE – While consumers in the city experienced load shedding during the weekend, Eskom warned in a press release that its outlook forecasts showed that load shedding was likely to happen on a regular basis for the foreseeable future until the reserve margin was adequate.
Unforeseen technical problems at power stations or an increase in demand due to weather conditions could also necessitate rotational load shedding.
Eskom promised to supply regular power supply updates through the media but called on consumers to use power sparingly and when leaving offices at night to switch off all unnecessary lights and air conditioners, as well as swimming pool pumps and other equipment that was not essential.
Eskom’s load shedding schedules are available for Eskom direct users on their web site at www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za/ or contact the call centre at 0860 037 566 for additional information.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for specific schedules or visit the municipal website at www.polokwane.gov.za, and select the load shedding link.
Eskom further warned that should the power go off, it would be safer to turn off and disconnect any electrical appliances being used.
Further action that could be taken included:
• Keep one light switched on to alert you to when the power returns.
• Clearly mark on/off switches with a piece of masking tape.
• When the power comes back on, it may do so with a momentary surge, which may damage electronically controlled appliances such as computers, television sets, VCR’s, DVD’s and so forth.
• Remember to reset the time control clocks on cooking ovens, pool pumps, geysers and other automatically controlled appliances, unless these are battery operated. Also remember that householders are responsible for all electricity usage and appliances in their homes.
Useful tips to minimise the inconvenience when the power is off:
• Think about communication: ensure that your cell phone/laptop is always fully charged when power is available.
• Think about transport: ensure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank because petrol stations sometimes cannot pump fuel during power outages.
• Think about cash: ensure that you have enough cash because ATM’s cannot operate without electricity.
•Think about access, security and safety: release automatic electric garage door mechanisms so that you can gain access to your property during a power outage.
• Buy a small LP gas lamp.
