Time to break out those candles again — Eskom has announced that Stage 2 load shedding will commence from midday on Friday, February 5 until Sunday evening, February 7.
In a statement, the embattled power utility announced that load shedding will run from 12pm on Friday until 11pm on Sunday.
This comes after five generating units were forcibly shut down at the Medupi Power Station as a result of the inability to get coal from the units due to the heavy rain in the Lephalale area Thursday night [February 4].
Eskom to implement Stage 2 #loadshedding from 12:00 until Sunday at 23:00 pic.twitter.com/MhRsOPymUO
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 5, 2021
How to prepare for load shedding:
- Cash: Keep some cash on you as ATMs cannot operate without electricity
- Communication: Ensure that your cell phone, laptop, tablet and radio are always fully charged when power is available. This will allow you to be able to communicate with friends and family during load-shedding
- Eating: If you do not have a gas stove, prepare meals before the power is scheduled to be switched off. Boil water in your kettle and keep it in thermos flasks for hot drinks. You can also use an insulating cover on teapots, pots and pans to keep drinks and meals warm
- Most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling but you should check with your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt
- Security and safety: Backup batteries for electrically operated gates, garage doors and security systems should be kept in a good working condition and be able to last through periods of load-shedding. Store temporary lighting such as battery-powered torches, gas lamps and candles in places where they will be easy to find in the dark
- Transport: Make sure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank as most petrol stations are unable to pump fuel during power outages.
To check your load shedding schedule within the City of Cape Town, click here.
Picture: Pixabay