Power system is stable as Eskom lifts emergency

Power system is stable as Eskom lifts emergency but remains on high alert. However, the risk of another emergency declaration remains as the system continues to be constrained.

“Understanding the impact on our key industrial customers and the South African economy, the emergency has been lifted. The system still remains critical and we will continue to heavily rely on the partnerships we have with our customers for the necessary voluntary load reduction to keep us going,” says Eskom’s Chief Executive Brian Dames.

“The decision to declare an emergency on Tuesday, November 12, was not taken lightly, but was a necessary one to make. While it was the first time we declared an emergency since 2008, we are in a much better position to manage the situation than we were back then. We now have the requisite skills, experience, knowledge, programmes and a robust risk and early warning protocol in place,” Dames adds.

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said: “I wish to express my gratitude to South Africans for displaying great support during our appeal for prudent use of electricity. The onus is on government and Eskom to remain transparent about the system to enable South Africans to plan accordingly. In this light, we call on the media to remain partners in ensuring that we have sustained dialogue with all the economic actors over our electricity generation capacity.

Eskom has assured me that they will work around the clock to manage the tight electricity system. I welcome the contribution of all South Africans – residential and industrial customers – and thank you for continuing to live lightly.”

Lastly, Eskom wishes to thank all the major industrial customers who have reduced their electricity usage and urge them to try and stay there. Also, a special thank you to Eskom employees for all their efforts.

Eskom’s load shedding schedules will remain available at https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za for the convenience of Eskom customers. Our customers can also contact our customer call centre at 0860 037 566 for any enquiries.