Stage 2 rotational loadshedding to continue through the day until Thursday

Eskom says in a media release received this morning (Wednesday 5 Feb 2020) there will be no respite during the morning traffic rush hours today as Eskom continues to experience higher demand than previously forecast.
The significantly higher demand has meant that the headroom available to accommodate peak traffic is not available. In addition, any additional shift on the system may require a change in the loadshedding stage. We therefore request customers to use electricity sparingly and to reduce demand in order to get through this period of loadshedding. Eskom will communicate regularly during this period.
Suspending loadshedding during the peak hour traffic is a pilot meant to help minimise the impact of loadshedding on the commuting public, and is contingent on the availability of generating capacity and the use of emergency generating units. As this is not possible every day, it will be confirmed each day, dependent on the risk based on the available capacity and emergency reserves on the day.
Stage 2 currently remains in effect until Thursday at 06:00.
Unplanned outages or breakdowns were at 11 708MW as at 19:00 on Tuesday evening. Critical maintenance is being done to units on planned outages as well as some of those on unplanned outages to ensure timeous return to service.
Eskom says loadshedding is necessary due to a shortage in capacity and to replenish emergency reserves during the week. “We will continue to monitor the system closely and will give periodic updates on the status of the power system as things may change at short notice.
“We regret that loadshedding has a negative impact on South Africa.”
Eskom appeals to customers to continue to use electricity sparingly:
• 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
• At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch.
We appeal to customers to revisit their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or local municipal websites, depending on their electricity supplier, to review amendments.