Stage one load shedding implemented

Lights out in the South: Severely constrained system leads to Eskom implementing stage 1 load shedding this mornin

According to Eskom this morning, the electricity system continues to be severely constrained, and Eskom will be implementing stage one load shedding from 10:00 until 22:00 today to manage dam levels at its pumped storage schemes. Implementing lower stages of load shedding throughout the week helps us prevent severe load shedding later in the week.

In a statement Eskom said: “At our pumped storage schemes which use water to generate electricity, our dam levels are also low, because we were not able to pump the water back to full capacity over the past weekend. This is mainly because they were in use over the weekend to meet demand.

“Ordinarily, the weekends are used to pump our dam levels to maximum capacity in preparation for the forecast increased demand in electricity during the week.

“This being Eskom’s maintenance season, we expect the power grid to remain constrained for the rest of the summer. Eskom calls on consumers to switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to reduce electricity demand.

“We also request workers to switch off the lights, with the exception of security lighting when they leave office buildings this evening and to ensure that air-conditioners are switched off overnight.

“Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can make the biggest difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

“Eskom customers are advised to check the load shedding schedules, which are available on the Eskom website (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za ). They can also contact our customer call centre at 0860 037 566. Municipal customers are urged to contact their local authorities.”

Eskom promised to provide regular updates on the status of the power system throughout the day. However, with load shedding currently in progress in some areas, their website claims there is no load shedding taking place, contradicting what they said in their statement.