Stage 1 load-shedding will be upgraded to stage 2
Eskom has announced that stage 1 rotational load-shedding practically overnight and will switch to stage 2 from 09:00 today until 23:00. Here is what you need to know.
The troubled power utility company announced that the upgrade is due to power plants performing below capacity. Unplanned breakdowns are at 11 996MW at 06:30. Eskom is continuing to use open cycle gas turbines and water-pumped storage schemes to supplement capacity. Load-shedding will move up from stage 1 to stage 2 from 09:00 today until 23:00.
Eskom added that “as the generating plant continues to perform at low levels of reliability, any unexpected shift, such as an increase in unplanned breakdowns, could result in a change in the load-shedding stage at short notice.”
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“We continue to ask customers to reduce demand as a concerted collective effort can help to avoid or lessen the level of load-shedding. As we are experiencing rainy and cooler weather conditions in some parts of the country, we ask that you use efficient heating to keep warm and switch off your geysers over peak periods,” they added.
Ways you can help:
- Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
- Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time.
- Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use.
Eskom said they would keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system and their recovery efforts throughout this period.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience during this difficult period,” said Eskom. There is still a possibility that load-shedding will continue throughout the week.
You can check your load-shedding schedule on the Eskom’s website or through the customer contact centre on 086-003-7566.
You can also check your load-shedding schedule by downloading the Eskom Push app.
