POWER utility Eskom has started its weekend of load shedding with the possibility of more power cuts during the week. The parastatal said the power system was severely constrained on Friday with Eskom implementing load-shedding.

“The power system is extremely constrained today due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations, depleted water reserves at our peaking power stations which use water to generate electricity and depleted diesel reserves to fire up the open-cycle gas turbines,” said Eskom spokesman Andrew Etzinger.

“Load shedding will recommence again tomorrow and Sunday at 9am in order to build up reserves for the week ahead. Eskom will update the public on the status on an on-going basis,” it said.

The utility called on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to limit the impact of rotational load shedding.

Earlier this month a coal storage silo at the Majuba power station in Mpumalanga collapsed, resulting in widespread power cuts.