Eskom implements load shedding

Eskom has implemented stage 1 load shedding as of 9:35am, today.

“Eskom has implemented stage 1 load shedding from 9:35am today, which is likely to continue until 10pm this evening. This is due to increased electricity demand due to the cold front that is currently sweeping through the country and a shortage of generation capacity resulting from technical faults at some of our units,” said the power parastatal.

Stage 1 load shedding allows for up to 1 000MW to be shed off the grid, while stage 2 allows for up to 2 000MW to be shed. Stage 3 load shedding allows for up to 4 000MW to be shed.

Eskom assured customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system and to ensure that maintenance is carried out in order to guarantee that the supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.

“Any unexpected changes on the vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the load shedding stage at short notice.”

It further urged electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers.  Eskom customers can also contact the customer call centre on 0860 037 566.

Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.

Earlier on Thursday, Eskom said there was no load shedding taking place as there is adequate generating capacity to meet the demand for electricity. – SAnews.gov.za