Residents urged to cut down
If electricity consumption is not reduced between peak hours, Newcastle could face power cuts.
Residents should brace themselves for a dark winter, should electricity usage not be reduced.
In an official statement, the Newcastle Municipality indicated Eskom anticipated this shortfall to persevere. An urgent appeal was issued to residents to use electricity sparingly between 5pm and 8pm, so as to ‘balance the electricity system’ and halt any move toward load shedding for the town.
“All users are urged to switch off non-essential appliances between these times,” the statement read.
Furthermore, it was stated commercial customers, in particular shopping centres and office blocks, could make the largest impact by turning off lights and not leaving office equipment on standby mode for the night.
Eskom is expected to provide regular updates on Newcastle’s power status.
The municipality said it would relay relevant information through the media and other platforms, thus keeping residents informed on any developments and effects thereof.
