Save power to reduce the risk of load-shedding
Eskom is requesting its customers to reduce their current electricity usage, and warns that load shedding may continue this week.
MALALANE – According to Eskom’s spokesman,Khulu Phasiwe, this was due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages.
He said any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load-shedding at short notice.
“So far the system is very constrained. There is a high risk of load-shedding.We call on South Africans to postpone using heaters as winter has not arrived yet,” Phasiwe added.
Eskom said load-shedding is a necessary measure to protect the power system.
Eskom has furthermore called on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout, which will reduce the severity of load-shedding.
“Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks,can also make a big difference byswitching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours,” Phasiwe added.
“The situation is not looking good for today and the rest of the week.As the power system is constrained and vulnerable any unexpected changes could lead to load- shedding at short notice. Eskom will continue to provide updates,” Phasiwe concluded.
