News

Municipal Manager warns: ‘Load shedding eminent’

The power system remains under severe pressure because of ongoing protest action.

June 15, 2018

Jana Boshoff 1 minute read

The Steve Tshwete Municipality’s Municipal Manager, Bheki Khenisa, issued a message to residents warning that load shedding is eminent.

Eskom implemented stage 1 load shedding last night from 18:00 to 20:00.

#POWER_ALERT 2: Date: 14 June 2018: Load shedding has commenced https://t.co/yE0VPeOf4f @IOL @eNCA @ewnupdates @SABCNewsOnline @CityPowerJhb @eThekwiniM @City_Ekurhuleni @CityofCT @CityofTshwane

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 14, 2018

The power utility announced later on Thursday night that electricity has been restored.

Electricity has been restored in all areas.@Eskom_SA would like to thank you for helping us keeping the power system stable.

Please continue to use electricity sparingly and to switch off non-essential appliances.@Eskom_SA apologises for any inconvenience caused.

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 14, 2018

Eskom has requested for electricity to be used sparingly, and switch off all non essential items, like swimming pool pumps.

The load shedding schedule can be seen here.

• Workers have embarked on an industrial protest after Eskom announced that workers will not receive an annual raise this year.

Also read: Eskom, workers’ strike plunge SA into darkness

Power stations have been blocked off by protesters, preventing trucks from delivering coal and other workers from going to work.

Also read: Members of NUM picketing outside Komati Power Station

Reports of intimidation and attempts of sabotage have also been seen. Substations have been set alight and a note, warning workers to stay away from work or face the consequences, made national headlines.