“There is no load shedding currently.” This is according to Eskom CEO Brian Dames at a media briefing in Megawatt, north of Johannesburg on Friday afternoon. He also explained that the load shedding was an emergency resort to prevent a total system collapse.
“There is no-one in South Africa to start up the system if it collapses totally,” he said.
While he promised Eskom will continue to do everything possible to avoid load shedding, the situation will be with us for some time due to the vulnerability of their system.
He called for Eskom customers to save energy as any unforeseen event will put the system at risk.
“Customers who are supplied by municipalities must check with those municipalities about load shedding schedules and not on the Eskom website,” Dames said.
Dames also announced he would be retiring from his position as Eskom CEO at the end of March.
Eskom announced that power was restored in all areas after they lifted the power emergency at 10pm, yesterday.
According to media reports, Eskom’s spokesman, Andrew Etzinger said schedules could be re-implemented should the situation deteriorate.
He further stated that officials are in constant contact with the country’s municipalities. “Eskom takes the lead on decisions regarding whether load shedding is necessary or not.
We are in constant contact with municipalities and have communicated to them that at this stage, the system is stable and that no load shedding is required,” he said.
Eskom thanked consumers for assisting in stabilising the power system and encouraged residents to use electricity sparingly and wisely. A message on Eskom’s facebook page read, “Encourage your family members and friends to switch off non-essential appliances including geysers, swimming pool pumps and air-conditioners especially during the peak demand period between 5pm and 9pm.
